At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Family Safeguarding Team to support children and families in need.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, a progressive and innovative workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life balance, generous leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have 12 months post-qualification experience as a social worker.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 46142 £ per year.
Experienced Children’s Social Worker in the Family Safeguarding Team.
Locations: Skelmersdale
Salary: Grade 8/9, up to £46,142 (dependent on experience)
We’re pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join our established Family Safeguarding Team, based in Skelmersdale. Our teams consist of domestic abuse officers, domestic abuse practitioners, child and family practitioners, and mental health practitioners. If you are an experienced social worker, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and would like to work as part of a multi-agency team delivering intervention to children and their families, then we would like to hear from you!
The role will be a Fixed Term contract, initially until November 2026, subject to further funding.
About Us
Lancashire County Council Children’s Services is a progressive and innovative workplace that embraces strengths-based approaches and the Family Safeguarding model of practice. This is an exciting time to join us as we undergo positive changes and develop our service. As one of the largest local authorities, we provide numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development. Our supportive management team is dedicated to ensuring you thrive in your role as a Social Worker.
Working In The Family Safeguarding Team
Family Safeguarding is a way of working to help keep families together and achieve better outcomes for children and their parents by engaging them in a more collaborative way. Our Family Safeguarding teams are multi-disciplinary with adult specialists and will hold our core Child in Need and Child Protection work taking a Motivational Interviewing approach.
Our Commitment
We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and manageable caseloads. With national funding, we are enhancing our service by reducing caseloads, providing excellent training, and expanding our service offerings to positively impact Lancashire’s children and families.
Training And Development
New recruits will attend our established Social Work Academy, which includes an extensive induction programme, regular recall days, and training for ASYE social workers. Our Practice Development Managers lead this Academy, ensuring high standards of practice.
Why Join Us?
- Benefits: There’s fabulous flexibility and the opportunity to create the work-life balance you’ll love; 26 days annual leave, rising to 32 days with tenure plus 10 statutory/bank holidays and an additional 20 days that can be purchased too.
- An Employee Assistance Programme for your family and yourself plus a generous Local Authority Pension available.
- We have an enviable employee benefits platform which provides numerous discounts from your weekly shop to holidays and entertainment with salary sacrifice options on electronics, bicycles, white goods, and cars.
Development: We’ll provide support and development at each stage of your journey with us from induction through to personal and professional qualifications. There will be opportunities for career progression both vertically but also into other areas of the organisation if you wish. There’ll be time for reflection and interaction with your line manager, as well as peer support from those within the wider team.
Inclusivity: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and have support groups available for everyone.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit the following with your application: CV/Resume. We would be delighted to have an initial confidential chat with you. Please contact talent@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange a call.
Please note, these roles require a minimum of 12 months post-qualification experience. Unfortunately, these positions are not suitable for newly qualified Social Workers, or those looking to undertake their ASYE.
Closing Date: 07th December 2025
Interviews: To be confirmed
Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in Lancashire!
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
You must be registered (Social Work England) to be appointed as a Social Worker. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
In return, Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Experienced Social Worker | Family Safeguarding | Skelmersdale employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment for experienced social workers in Skelmersdale. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we provide numerous opportunities for career progression and professional growth. Join our Family Safeguarding Team and be part of a collaborative effort to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker | Family Safeguarding | Skelmersdale
✨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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Experienced Social Worker | Family Safeguarding | Skelmersdale
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 Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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.
