At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support children and families through quality assessments and effective service provision.
- Company: Join a supportive council dedicated to improving lives in Herefordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, relocation support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture of continuous learning await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with management experience and a passion for helping families.
The predicted salary is between 56356 - 60915 € per year.
Contract: Permanent | Location: Leominster | Hours: 37 hours | Salary: 11HC £51,356 - £55,915 plus market supplement of £5,000 per year (£56,356 - £60,915). Welcome payment: £10,000. Closing Date: 31st May 2026.
The Assessment and Support service is made up of three teams working from three locality offices: South (Ross-on-Wye), North (Leominster) and Central (Hereford). Each team includes a Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, Social Workers, and Family Support Workers. Locality working enables you to stay connected, meet new colleagues, and easily access support. We are proud of our restorative approach to social work – a way of working firmly embedded in our culture and management style. Collaboration and reflection are at the heart of how we practice. Senior managers are available for guidance and support, especially when navigating complex cases.
About the Role
As a qualified social worker with management or supervisory experience – perhaps a Senior Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner – you will lead the Assessment Team in Leominster. You will manage a team who work directly with children and families, rotating duties as required. Your responsibilities include:
- Completing robust short‑term quality assessments of need
- Ensuring appropriate service provision
- Allocating and prioritising workloads
- Developing your team to provide an effective and efficient service
- Responsible for the team plan, meeting objectives and ensuring performance targets are achieved
You should be fully qualified (DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in statutory social care. Demonstrable skills in assessment, report writing and managing complex cases will support you in improving the lives of children and families within Herefordshire.
About You
- Passionate about making a difference to children and families through high‑quality assessments and early intervention
- Skilled in analysis, planning and decision‑making, ensuring each child's needs are clearly understood and effectively met
- Committed to working collaboratively, inclusively and creatively with families and partner agencies
- Resilient, reflective and confident in managing complex situations and making sound professional judgments
- Able to thrive in a supportive, fast‑paced team environment, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Registered with Social Work England and hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)
We Offer
- Competitive salary: 11HC £51,356‑£55,915 plus market supplement of £5,000 per year
- Relocation package: support of up to £10,000
- Welcome payment: £10,000 for experienced social workers joining the children’s teams
- Pension scheme: enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Professional development: protected time and budget to support career growth
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Generous annual leave: 31 days’ annual leave pro‑rata plus bank holidays; option to purchase 10 additional days per annum
- Flexible working: flexi‑time, job‑share, part‑time hours and, where possible, home working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and counselling
- Professional membership fees: covered
- Pick your perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please email [email protected]. If shortlisted for interview and requiring any adjustments, our Children & Young People Recruitment Team will support you.
Commitments and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post:
- Those who indicate a disability – part of our commitment to the Disability Confident scheme
- Those who indicate an Armed Forces veteran or reservist – part of our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant
- Those who indicate a Herefordshire care leaver – part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving care
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously. If offered the position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.
How to Apply
Upload an up‑to‑date CV and complete the online application form, demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Include reference to this job description and person specification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the recruitment team via email to arrange interviews and/or assessments. Contact email: [email protected]
Note: The council is currently unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply. For other opportunities that may offer sponsorship, please see the council’s vacancy list at https://spiritofherefordshire.com/children-young-people/jobs/.
Children's Social Work Manager - Assessment & Support - North Locality in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
As a Children's Social Work Manager in Leominster, you will join a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, this role offers meaningful opportunities for growth and impact within the community. The locality working model ensures you remain connected with colleagues while benefiting from a restorative approach to social work, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Work Manager - Assessment & Support - North Locality in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, especially those who might know about openings in children's services. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you align your answers with their mission, especially around collaboration and support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use examples from your experience that highlight your skills in assessment and managing complex cases, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Work Manager - Assessment & Support - North Locality in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Children's Social Work Manager. Highlight your management experience, skills in assessment, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. Talk about your commitment to high-quality assessments and early intervention. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about improving the lives of children and families.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the online application form, be clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make your experience easy to read. We appreciate straightforward applications that get to the point!
Follow Up:After submitting your application, don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable time. It shows your enthusiasm for the role! Remember, applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application is seen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Children's Social Work Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of assessment processes, team management, and the restorative approach to social work. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in managing complex cases and leading teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since collaboration is at the heart of this role, be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with families and partner agencies in the past. Share examples of how you’ve fostered teamwork and inclusivity, as this will resonate well with their values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, ongoing professional development opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
