At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families to safely reconnect with their children and create positive exit plans.
- Company: Join Durham's Outstanding Children in Care service, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working policy and commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team focused on family reunification and child welfare.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and current Social Work England registration required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Connecting families are a team within the Children in Care service in Durham. The team supports families of children who are subject to a Section 31 Care Order. The team’s primary focus is on safely reconnecting children with their parents or birth family. Reunification involves more than simply returning a child to their parents; it requires support to make this successful. Our team works alongside Family Group Conferencing, Supporting Solutions, Connected Care and Early Help to strengthen the support we offer to families, with the child at the heart of everything we do.
In March 2025, Durham Children’s Service was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with social workers describing the environment as a great place to work. If you have recently qualified and are looking to start your social work career in Durham, we would still love to hear from you.
What is Involved?
The role requires you to work closely with families to formulate appropriate exit plans for children, resulting in applications being made to court to discharge the Care Order and formally end the family’s involvement with Children’s Services. You will complete discharge statements to court, demonstrating the good progress families have made since the original care proceedings. The role demands the ability to write timely, high‑standard assessments to be filed to court, excellent communication skills, and a relationship‑based practice that fully involves families in decisions about their children. Relationships with children and their families will be very important to you. You will spend quality time with children in our care, understand their views and life events, and use a trauma‑informed, strength‑based approach informed by the Signs of Safety framework to support the child in understanding and recovering from what has happened.
What will I need?
- Degree in social work or an equivalent qualification (e.g., Post‑Graduate Diploma in Social Work, Certificate of Qualification in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, Certificate in Social Services).
- Current Social Work England registration.
- Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Social workers who complete the ASYE are eligible for a recruitment/retention allowance of £2,500 over 12 months (pro‑rated for part‑time).
Our Offer to You
We offer a rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years of continuous local government service), a contributory local government pension scheme, flexible working arrangements (including hybrid working where applicable) and a range of training opportunities. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Hybrid Working
Durham County Council operates a hybrid working policy of two days in the workplace and three days at home/remote, prorated for part‑time roles. Managers may allow you to work all hours within the workplace if you wish.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
Safeguarding and Disclosure
Applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the Children’s Barred List, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to show how you meet the essential criteria. Applications not meeting the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. Please also refer to our website for guidance on completing your application.
Social Worker – Connecting Families in Seaham employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an outstanding employer for social workers, offering a supportive environment that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With a generous rewards package, including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, employees are empowered to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard and valued, making it a truly welcoming workplace for everyone.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Connecting Families in Seaham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Research the Connecting Families team and understand their approach. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since this role is all about building relationships, be ready to demonstrate how you can connect with families and children. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strengths! Be prepared to discuss your trauma-informed and strength-based approaches. Use examples from your studies or placements to illustrate how you've applied these methods in real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you nail your application and prepare for interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker – Connecting Families in Seaham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see why you care about reconnecting families and how your values align with our mission. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that match the role of Social Worker – Connecting Families. We love it when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. Remember, clarity is key in social work!
Follow the Guidelines:Don’t forget to follow the application guidelines provided on our website. Make sure you fill out the ‘Person Specification’ section thoroughly, as this is crucial for us to assess your fit for the role. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Children in Care service and the specific role of a Social Worker in Connecting Families. Brush up on the Signs of Safety framework and be ready to discuss how you would apply a trauma-informed, strength-based approach in your practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with families or children in previous experiences. Think about times when you’ve had to navigate difficult conversations or build rapport quickly.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Based Practice
Be ready to talk about your approach to building relationships with families and children. Share specific instances where you’ve involved families in decision-making processes and how that has positively impacted outcomes.
✨Prepare for Court-Related Questions
Since the role involves writing discharge statements and making court applications, anticipate questions about your experience with legal documentation. If you’re newly qualified, think about your training and any relevant coursework that prepared you for this aspect of social work.
