At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children in need, managing safeguarding concerns and delivering impactful interventions.
- Company: Rutland County Council, dedicated to empowering children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, excellent pension, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with manageable caseloads and a commitment to your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with practical family support experience and knowledge of child protection.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 42839 £ per year.
Salary: £35,412 – £42,839 plus £3,000 market supplement
Location: Rutland – Oakham
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours / Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week (12 month Fixed Term Contract)
Our vision is for all children and young people in Rutland to be happy, safe and successful. They will be supported and empowered to be the best they can be. This is a really exciting time to join Rutland Children’s Social Care. We share a great vision and want to put social work at the centre, raise our profile in supporting families and really make a difference. We hold children, young people, families and adults at the centre of all we do. We pride ourselves on being a learning organisation and are seeking a Social Worker‑Families First who wants to embrace the opportunity to work across all teams within Children’s Social Care gaining invaluable experience.
About you
- To be a qualified Social Worker at L2 as a minimum
- To be registered with Social Work England
- To have evidence of practical application of social work skills in family support
- Knowledge of the issues that affect parenting capacity and the impact of deprivation on child development
- Experience with court work, child‑protection work and providing complex care plans to assist children and young people in need
About the role
Our Children’s Social Care teams support families throughout Rutland where safeguarding concerns arise and support is required. Across our Referral, Assessment and Intervention (Front Door), Protection and Permanence, and Care Leavers teams, Social Workers manage safeguarding concerns and placements, including those across the country. Working independently within small, supportive teams, you will assess and manage risk, undertake child protection and court work and deliver timely, purposeful interventions that lead to sustainable change for children and families. With manageable caseloads, regular supervision, and accessible management, you will have the time and support needed to deliver high‑quality social work practice. We offer flexible working, strong learning and development opportunities, including group and 1‑to‑1 supervision, allowing you to reflect, develop your skills, and maintain a healthy work‑life balance while making a meaningful difference to children, young people, and families.
The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The costs for the DBS and Social Work England Registration are paid by us. Please note the postholder will need a driving licence to travel around the county.
Our offer to you
Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service. We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff. Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice. As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.
Equality and Diversity
Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 18th June 2026
Contact
To learn more about working with us visit https://jobs.rutland.gov.uk. If you have any queries about this role, please contact Becky Headington, Team Manager RAIS on 01572 720914 or rheadington@rutland.gov.uk.
Social Worker - Families First employer: Community Care Live
Rutland County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment for Social Workers. With a strong commitment to flexible working, manageable caseloads, and robust professional development opportunities, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Rutland. The council prioritises staff wellbeing and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, all within a collaborative and inclusive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Families First
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers in Rutland, especially those in the Families First team. They can give you insider info on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection and family support issues. We want to see how you can apply your skills in real-life scenarios, so think of examples that showcase your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During your interview, share why you’re excited about working with families and children in Rutland. We love candidates who are genuinely committed to our vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Families First
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Social Worker - Families First. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, especially those related to family support and safeguarding. We love seeing how you connect your background to our vision!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your social work knowledge, especially around family support and child protection. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by families in Rutland, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your practical application of social work skills. Have examples ready that highlight your experience with court work, complex care plans, and how you've supported families in need. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working within small, supportive teams, it's crucial to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where you've worked well with colleagues or other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, supervision opportunities, and the flexible working arrangements. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in how you can thrive within the organisation.
