Social Worker - Level 2 and 3 - Children in Care in Milton Keynes

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. There is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low‑cost leasing of electric and low‑emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

We’re recruiting for Social Workers to join our Children in Care team. You’ll make a meaningful difference by supporting children, young people and families at the moments they need us most. In this rewarding role, you’ll use your professional skills to help children feel safe, listened to and supported, while working alongside colleagues who share your dedication to improving lives across our communities.

Salary - £37,280 - £47,181 (dependent on level) Plus - Annual £4,000 retention payment and £6,000 Golden Hello payment (subject to T&Cs). Social Work England professional membership fees paid.

We have opportunities for both Level two and Level three Social Worker. This is a site-based role. Interviews may take place before the closing date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

Role Responsibilities:

• Carry out assessments by speaking with and observing children and young people, making sure their needs are clearly identified.
• Create, implement and review plans to support children and families in line with statutory duties.
• Manage a varied caseload, including complex cases, taking timely action to help keep children safe.
• Work closely with colleagues across services and other agencies to plan care and support holistically.
• Maintain clear, accurate electronic records.
• Take part in regular supervision to support your professional development.
• Represent Milton Keynes City Council in public and private law proceedings, including writing statements and giving evidence in court when needed.

Ideal Candidate:

• A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience working with children and families and the ability to build constructive, professional relationships.
• Up‑to‑date understanding of legislation, guidance and good practice.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to analyse information, make considered decisions and work at pace.
• Resilience and the ability to adapt to different situations and environments.
• Confidence using digital systems to record information clearly and concisely.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If you’re offered the position, we’ll ask for proof of your licence and vehicle insurance, including business use cover. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to confirm your appointment without these documents. If you’re offered the role, we’ll arrange an Enhanced DBS check as part of our pre‑employment process (unless you’re already registered with the DBS Update Service).

About The Organisation:

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the‑clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.