At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives through assessments and support.
- Company: Join a caring team dedicated to child welfare and family empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £10,000 welcome payment, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy professional development and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact for families needing support and guidance.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 41363 - 45777 £ per year.
About The Role
Children's Social Worker – Assessment & Support
Salary: HC8 £36,363 - £40,777 (plus £5,000 market rate supplement per year £41,363 - £45,777)
Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37
Locations: Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Hereford
Relocation package up to £10,000 available
Closing date: 31/05/2026
Introduction
Our Assessment and Support service is made up of three teams, working out of three locality offices: South Locality (Ross-on-Wye), North Locality (Leominster) and Central Locality (Hereford). Each team comprises a Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, Social Workers, and Family Support Workers. Locality working gives you the opportunity to stay connected, meet new colleagues, and easily access support. We are proud of our restorative approach to social work—one 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.
The Role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? We are looking for a skilled and committed Social Worker to join our Assessment Team. In this vital role, you will be the first point of contact for children, young people, and families in need of support. You will complete timely and high-quality assessments to understand each family’s circumstances, identify strengths, and determine the most appropriate help or intervention. Your work will ensure that children are safe, supported, and able to thrive with their voices at the centre of everything you do. Our focus is on working collaboratively with families from the very beginning, offering early help where possible and taking decisive action when necessary. We are committed to empowering families to make positive and lasting changes while ensuring that every child’s welfare remains our top priority. You will work directly with children and families, alongside other staff within the Directorate and partner agencies. Ensuring referrals are responded to in a child‑focused and timely way, you will carry out assessments and investigate concerns so that a decision can be made regarding the most appropriate support for the child and family. Herefordshire is on a journey, and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to have a genuine impact on the local authority and help improve the lives of children and young people across our communities.
About You
- Passionate about making a difference for 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‑pace 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
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
- Salary range: £36,363 - £40,777 per annum
- Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum
- Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
- 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 per annum (pro rata) plus bank holidays; additional 10 days can be purchased.
- Flexible working: potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees: based on role requirements.
- Access to retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits (savings, cashback and discounts).
Why Choose Us?
We are committed to keeping children safe and giving them the best start in life. Our team values collaboration, care and professional development. We invest in our people and our relational practice approach, working alongside our improvement partner, Leeds City Council. You’ll be supported by experienced managers, continuous professional development and a genuine team ethos that values collaboration and care.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk. If you’re shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments, Children & Young People Recruitment Team will be happy to support you.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate they have a disability.
- Those who indicate in their application they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist.
- Those who indicate in their application they are a Herefordshire care leaver.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all staff, visitors, and volunteers to share in this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.
How to Apply
To apply for a position, please upload an up‑to‑date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile.
Contact: RecruitmentCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk
Please note: the council is currently unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas prospective candidates that require sponsorship should not apply for these roles.
Sponsorship Availability (UK Only)
We can provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for successful candidates who are already living in the UK and have at least two years’ UK-based experience in the relevant team or discipline.
Herefordshire Council Plan
Our plan outlines how we will contribute to a better and more successful Herefordshire. For more details, visit our website.
Creating an Inclusive Workplace
We encourage our employees to feel empowered and to use their voices to embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and shape our organisation. We have eight employee network groups and a commitment to listening to people’s views and needs.
Impactful Children's Social Worker – Assessment & Support in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer for Children's Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a welcome payment and relocation package, and a commitment to safeguarding children, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families while enjoying a fulfilling career in a picturesque location. Join us in our mission to empower children and families, and be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Impactful Children's Social Worker – Assessment & Support in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, check out our recruitment video and learn about our Assessment and Support service. Understanding our culture and values will help you connect with us during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re in the hot seat, make sure to express your commitment to making a difference for children and families. Share specific examples of how you've done this in the past—it’ll really resonate with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! We love it when candidates are curious. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role or our approach to social work. It shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you figure out if we’re the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
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 info you need about the role and our team there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Impactful Children's Social Worker – Assessment & Support in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. Talk about why you care about children's welfare and how your experiences have shaped this commitment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and the families we support.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to understanding your qualifications and experiences.
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 info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Children's Social Worker in Assessment & Support. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the restorative approach mentioned in the job description. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine passion for making a difference in children's lives. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported families or children. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also truly committed to the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team culture, collaboration practices, or how they support professional development. This shows that you're engaged and interested in being part of their community.
✨Reflect on Resilience
Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex situations in the past. Reflect on specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This will highlight your resilience and ability to make sound professional judgments, which is crucial for this role.
