At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and protect children in care, ensuring their best outcomes through positive relationships.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council, committed to inclusive and supportive work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome and retention payments, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Join a team that values collaboration and offers excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Social Work England registration and a recognised qualification in Social Work required.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 47181 £ per year.
We may be able to offer sponsorship for this role, in line with Home Office guidance and subject to pre‑employment checks. Applicants must already hold a valid right to work in the UK that Gloucestershire County Council can transfer. If you are an internal applicant and consider yourself to have a disability per the Equality Act (2010), please declare this in an email to CSWrecruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk, 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 shortlisting criteria. It also enables the recruiting manager to arrange any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process. A disability is defined as: a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long‑term (more than 12 months) adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities.
As a Social Worker within our Children in Care teams, you will be instrumental in delivering a first‑class service to ensure the best outcomes for the children and young people of Gloucestershire. Through building positive relationships with colleagues within the service and partner agencies you will help provide support and protection for children and young people in need and at risk.
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. Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, offering teams flexibility to work remotely or in the office as suits their needs.
Qualifications
- Social Work England registration
- A recognised qualification in Social Work
- Completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) if qualified after 2012
- A full driving licence and willingness to drive
- DBS clearance (Enhanced Adult's and Children's)
Benefits
- Salary: £39,152 – £47,181 per annum, subject to experience (pro‑rata for part‑time staff)
- £4,000 welcome payment
- £2,000 retention payment
- Up to £8,000 relocation package (subject to terms and conditions)
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave, rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service (pro‑rata for part‑time staff)
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro‑rata for part‑time staff)
- Family‑friendly policies and benefits to support you and your family
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free, confidential counselling and advice available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
- In‑house Occupational Health service
- Employee discount scheme
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Access to our Social Work Academy
- Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
- All welcome and retention payments are subject to terms and conditions as well as tax and national insurance deductions
- Relocation policy is subject to terms and conditions
We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where you can bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential. Right child, right support, right time, every time. In our recent inspection in June 2025, our Children's Services were judged as “Good” with “Outstanding” elements. Ofsted highlighted that leaders have set out a clear vision for delivering success for children, modelling values, creating a culture where the workforce, children and families feel valued and heard; risk is managed confidently with clear outcomes.
About the team
The Children in Care teams consist of five Social Workers and an Advanced Practitioner. The teams typically include a newly qualified Social Worker, a Senior Social Worker and Experienced Social Workers, ensuring you always have support around you. Social Workers enjoy meetings to share casework expertise, team away days for learning, and weekly check‑ins to prevent isolation.
Social Worker/Senior Social Worker - Children in Care in Cheltenham employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development through the Social Work Academy, staff are empowered to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the community. The flexible working arrangements and commitment to family-friendly policies further enhance the appeal of joining our dedicated team in Gloucestershire.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker/Senior Social Worker - Children in Care in Cheltenham
✨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 Worker/Senior Social Worker - Children in Care in Cheltenham
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.
