At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through child protection and care planning.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in Exeter & East Devon making a real difference.
- Benefits: Up to £38 per hour, accommodation allowance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Quick interview process for immediate availability; dynamic and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with experience in Children's Services.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
Exeter & East Devon
Up to £38 per hour
£150 per week accommodation/commuter allowance (subject to review June 2026)
37 hours per week | Monday - Friday
Must be a driver with access to a car
Interviews will be arranged quickly - applicants must be immediately available to interview.
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced Qualified Social Worker looking to take on a varied and meaningful Child Protection role? I have a fantastic opportunity to join a Children & Families team in Exeter & East Devon, supporting children and families through child in need, child protection, court work and looked after children cases. You'll be working in a restorative, child-centred environment, building strong relationships with families and making a genuine difference to outcomes.
Essential Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
- Qualified Social Worker (Social Work England registered)
- Proven experience working as a Social Worker in Children's Services
- Strong background in Child Protection, CIN and court work
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car
- Ability to meet office requirements (minimum 1-2 days per week, up to 5 days depending on service need)
This role requires experienced practitioners only - candidates without prior Social Worker experience will not be considered.
The Role
Manage a diverse caseload including Child Protection...
Children's Social Worker - Safeguarding and Care Planning in Exeter employer: Caritas Recruitment
Join a dedicated team in Exeter & East Devon, where we prioritise a restorative and child-centred approach to social work. As a Children's Social Worker, you'll benefit from competitive pay, generous accommodation allowances, and a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. With a focus on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker - Safeguarding and Care Planning in Exeter
✨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 Caritas Recruitment.
✨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 Caritas Recruitment!
✨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 Caritas Recruitment, 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 Caritas Recruitment 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 Children's Social Worker - Safeguarding and Care Planning in Exeter
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 Caritas Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Caritas Recruitment! 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 Caritas Recruitment
✨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.
