At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor social workers in a dynamic mental health team.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council's supportive Mental Health Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, training opportunities, and a positive work environment.
- Other info: Access to employee networks and relocation allowance available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have social work qualification, SWE registration, and 2 years post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Shire Hall, Gloucestershire
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 15/07/2026
About the role:
We have a full time Social Work Lead position available in our Mental Health Team. As a Social Work Lead, you will manage and take a lead role in the professional development of Social Workers and other practitioners through supervision, mentoring and offering advice. You will be expected to promote a culture of professional curiosity, encouraging accountability and role‑modeling this in your own best practice. We look to our Social Work Leads to coordinate and manage Section 42 enquiries and to guide practitioners through other complex, high‑risk situations. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their practice experience and knowledge of legislation and be focused on delivering positive outcomes for the people of Gloucestershire.
About the team/service:
The Mental Health Service at Gloucestershire County Council supports adults who have social care needs arising from a primary, non‑organic mental health condition/s. Our service works across a range of settings, including community and inpatient, providing high quality, person‑centred support that empowers people to live as independently and safely as possible. We take a recovery‑focused, strengths‑based and trauma‑informed approach, placing wellbeing, prevention, and personal autonomy at the heart of everything we do. Our work is grounded in partnership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve. This is an exciting time to join us, as the council re‑establishes its Mental Health Service following a Section 75 agreement which is being led by our Leadership team with extensive knowledge and experience of Mental Health Social Work. If you are passionate about supporting adults with mental health needs, share our values, and want to contribute to a service built on compassion, respect and empowerment — we want to hear from you.
About you:
- Have a social work qualification and be SWE registered
- Have completed your ASYE programme and have at least 2 years post‑completion service
- Enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment
- Have the passion to promote people’s strengths and the ability to make a difference in a safe working approach to social work practice
- Have up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation and demonstrable experience of providing credible approaches to practice.
- Be able to prioritise, using a risk‑based approach
Benefits:
- Regular formal and informal support
- Safe, supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to training and workshops so you can develop your skills
- Clear career progression pathways, to support you in progressing professionally and personally
- Staff discount scheme that offers access to great savings including discounts with major supermarket chains and high street retailers
- Personal licences to Adults CCINFORM (for Social Workers)
- Reimbursement of professional Social Work registration fees (for qualified Social Workers)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network.
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&C's apply)
- Relocation allowance up to £8,000
We’re closer than you think:
We are an easy commute from many locations, view our commuting times map to see what we mean. However, we understand that commuting isn’t for everyone, so if you are in the process of relocating, why not email us to discuss opportunities further.
Legal and EEO:
This position is subject to an Enhanced Adult’s DBS with Barred List check. Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship for the remaining roles. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
If you are an Internal applicant and consider yourself to have a disability as per the Equality Act (2010), please declare this in an email, as this is NOT currently covered in the application due to a technical error. By providing this information, you can choose to be considered for a guaranteed interview under our Disability Confident pledge if you meet all essential criteria. It also enables the recruiting manager to arrange any reasonable adjustments you may need during the process.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early due to the volume of applications received.
Social Work Lead in Barton-le-Clay employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible hybrid working options and opportunities for professional growth, staff are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative environment dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in care.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Lead in Barton-le-Clay
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council.
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council!
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council, 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 Gloucestershire County Council 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 Work Lead in Barton-le-Clay
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 Gloucestershire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Gloucestershire County Council! 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 Gloucestershire County Council
✨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.
