C&YP Social Worker – Family Help – South Locality in Hereford

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated qualified Social Worker to join our Family Help locality team. In this role, you will work closely with children, their families, colleagues across the Directorate, and partner agencies to deliver a range of support and intervention services aimed at promoting the wellbeing, safety, and positive outcomes of children with a Family Help plan. You will play a key role in safeguarding children, working in partnership with the Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) where concerns arise, and contributing to timely and effective protective interventions. The role requires a strong commitment to high‑quality practice within the statutory framework, including the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, and Working Together 2026, supporting the principles of the Families First Programme. We are proud of our restorative approach to social work – a way of working that is firmly embedded in our team culture and management style. Collaboration and reflection are at the heart of how we practice: senior managers are always available for guidance and support, especially when navigating complex cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a complex caseload, acting as the Family Help Lead Practitioner to deliver effective help, protection, and intervention.
• Assess needs, identify risks, and develop tailored Family Help Plans, working closely with partner agencies to ensure coordinated and multi‑agency support.
• Chair and contribute to key meetings such as Child in Need, Core Group, and strategy discussions.
• Undertake risk assessments and safeguarding work when concerns arise.
• Build strong, restorative relationships with families and professionals, enabling meaningful change while promoting the safety and welfare of children, including those in the looked‑after system.
• Maintain accurate recording, report writing (including court work), and contribute to decision‑making.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education and Registration: Qualified Social Worker (Social Work Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) with current Social Work England registration.
• Experience: Working with children and families in a statutory social care setting; solid understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and relevant legislation and guidance.
• Skills: Skilled communicator, able to build trusted relationships with children, families, and multi‑agency professionals; confident in assessing risk, analysing complex family dynamics, and delivering effective interventions that support children to remain safely within their families wherever possible.
• Additional Attributes: Organised, resilient, able to manage a demanding workload, maintain accurate records, and produce clear and high‑quality reports; committed to ongoing professional development; strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families while working collaboratively and upholding values of trust, honesty, responsibility, inclusivity, and empathy.

Benefits

• Salary range: £36,363 - £40,777 per annum
• Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum
• Welcome Payment: £10,000
• Retention payment: £2,000 - £4,000 depending on team
• Relocation package: up to £10,000
• Professional development: protected time and budget to develop yourself and your career
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress
• Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays; purchase of additional 10 days per annum is possible
• Flexible working: including potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
• Pick your perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts

Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Adjustments

We provide equal opportunities for all candidates. Reasonable adjustments are available for the application process and the role itself. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the recruitment team. In alignment with our commitments: Supports candidates who indicate a disability (Disability Confident scheme) Supports candidates who indicate service with the Armed Forces or as a reservist (Armed Forces Covenant) Supports candidates who indicate that they are a Herefordshire care leaver.

Safeguarding Commitment

We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all staff to share in this commitment. If offered this position, the role will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and further pre‑employment checks.