At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, advocate for their needs, and develop tailored care plans.
- Company: Bradford Children and Families Trust, dedicated to improving lives in a diverse community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, health support, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a vibrant city with excellent career growth and a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work, registered with Social Work England, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working Arrangements: Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm, Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed with the line manager.
About the Role: Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as its geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive. We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
We have a strong, visible, accessible leadership team and a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children. The children in care team consists of 10 teams, each comprising a community resource worker, six social workers, an advance practitioner and a team manager. The service works with children from the age of 0‑18 years to provide greater continuity and better outcomes. We have manageable caseloads and support hybrid working arrangements. Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. We pride ourselves on a strong learning culture that develops staff and improves practice. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals. As we continue to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us. Our recent Ofsted report acknowledges our progress, with improvements exceeding expectations ahead of time.
What we’re looking for:
- Collaborate with partners, identifying what children and their families need to make lasting positive change, and support children and young people to achieve permanence – whether this be in the care of the Trust, reunification with their parents or extended family.
- Support and advocate for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard in all decision making.
- Undertake comprehensive assessments and work collaboratively with families to develop plans that are led by their strengths, needs and aspirations.
- Develop and implement care plans and pathway plans tailored to each child’s needs.
- Monitor and review the progress of children in care, making adjustments to plans as needed.
- Provide emotional and practical support to children, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience.
- Have experience and strong commitment to relationship‑based practice.
- Be passionate about making a difference and open to change.
- Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure.
- Be well‑organised and able to prioritise and manage risk with a complex case load.
Essential Requirements:
- A degree in Social Work or equivalent.
- Be registered with Social Work England as a qualified social worker.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes – adjustments can be considered for candidates with a disability.
- Expertise in managing the delivery of quality outcomes for children and young people.
- Strong ability to build relationships with children, their families, colleagues and partner agencies.
- Ability to write high‑quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.
- Experience of managing a caseload in a statutory setting with problem‑solving, negotiation and conflict‑management skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, for positive engagement with children and families and productive relationship building in a multi‑agency environment.
Benefits:
- Retention Payment – eligible for an annual retention payment paid in 12 monthly instalments (non‑contractual, reviewed annually).
- Generous annual leave – 31 days rising to 34 days with service, plus bank holidays.
- Local Government pension.
- Family‑friendly policies and enhanced parental leave.
- Health & wellbeing support, including occupational health and counselling.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
- National Living Wage employer.
- Supportive staff networks.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support from a highly motivated and skilled team.
- Regular supervision.
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts, including cost‑of‑living support.
Additional Information: Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
Closing Date: 5th July 2026. Interviews: tbc.
Social Worker - Children in Care in Bradford employer: Bradford Children and Families Trust
Bradford Children and Families Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families within a vibrant and diverse community. With a strong commitment to professional development, manageable caseloads, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while enjoying generous benefits such as enhanced parental leave and health support. Join us in a collaborative environment where your passion for social work can truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
Bradford Children and Families Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children in Care in Bradford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bradford Children and Families Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bradford Children and Families Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bradford Children and Families Trust, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bradford Children and Families Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children in Care in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bradford Children and Families Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bradford Children and Families Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bradford Children and Families Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
