At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop future social workers while working with vulnerable teenagers.
- Company: Join a leading team in County Durham's outstanding Children's Services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while nurturing the next generation of social workers.
- Qualifications: Experienced child and family social worker with a passion for mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Are you an experienced children and families social worker keen to help develop the next generation of social workers in Durham? Are you passionate about working with vulnerable teenagers across County Durham? This brand new role could be the post for you!
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
We are expanding our very successful partnership with Frontline, by creating a new hub in our Adolescent Safeguarding and Exploitation Team (ASET). Our ASET team support young people who are at risk of, or experiencing, harm outside of the family home, including child exploitation, mental health, radicalisation and homelessness. This is an incredible opportunity to join us in a new post which has been added to our growing team. Your first cohort of trainees will start in September 2026, so you will have plenty of time to get ready.
As a Consultant Social Worker you will hold a protected caseload and will have responsibility for a hub of typically five trainees, who you will support, manage and develop as they train to be social workers on the Approach Social Work programme. Your trainees will learn through observing your practice and gradually taking on more responsibility for working with the families you support. You will assess them throughout their first year on the programme and recommend if they should qualify as social workers at the end of the year. You don’t need to already be a practice educator. You can work towards achieving stage two of the Practice Educator Professional Standards during your training.
To develop your practice you will participate in Frontline’s very high quality Consultant Social Worker Leadership Development Programme, delivered by top practice experts and systemic trainers. You will be joining us at a fantastic time. Inspectors have judged our Children’s Services as outstanding.
HOW WILL WE SUPPORT YOU?
We are passionate about social work in County Durham. We are committed to providing a culture where good practice can flourish. We will ensure you are highly supported. You will benefit from high quality professional supervision, a great induction, and access to our strong learning and development offer alongside the fantastic offer from Frontline.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
- An experienced child and family social worker who is keen to nurture future social workers.
- Passionate about working with vulnerable teenagers across County Durham.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Our commitment to safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.
TO FIND OUT MORE
We encourage you to contact Joanne Ormston Relationship and Development Manager at Frontline so that you understand the role well. You can contact Joanne by e‑mail. There is lots of really useful information about the Frontline programme and the role of the Consultant Social Worker. For information about the ASET team contact Sue Thornton, Team Manager by e‑mail.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
This post is eligible for a recruitment/retention allowance of £2,500 over 12 months (pro‑ratio for part‑time workers). Payments are made in equal instalments across a 12‑month period alongside your pay. The allowances are subject to tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.
If you are looking to relocate to join us removal, lodging and separation expenses of up to £8,000 may be available to you if you live outside of County Durham and in excess of 30 miles in a straight line from your new base, along with a number of other criteria for eligibility. Hybrid working applies to this post.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
IF YOU ARE READY TO APPLY
Complete the Frontline application form. If you are shortlisted we will then ask you to complete part of the Durham County Council application form so we have your key information on record. Interviews will be on 26th March 2026.
Consultant Social Worker - Frontline in Bath employer: North East Ambition
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for social workers. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will benefit from high-quality supervision and access to the renowned Consultant Social Worker Leadership Development Programme, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable teenagers in County Durham. Our outstanding Children’s Services and generous rewards package, including flexible working arrangements and relocation support, make this an ideal place for passionate social workers to thrive and grow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant Social Worker - Frontline in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in supporting vulnerable teenagers. Practise common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase your skills and passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and developing future social workers. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our fantastic support system there. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant Social Worker - Frontline in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your passion for working with vulnerable teenagers and developing future social workers. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through in your application!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in children and families social work, especially any relevant achievements or training that align with the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key issues facing vulnerable teenagers today, such as mental health and exploitation. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in social work to show you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in supporting children and families. Think about times when you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Engage with the Role
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for developing future social workers. Talk about how you would approach mentoring trainees and what strategies you’d use to support their growth. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the ASET team and the Frontline programme. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. It’s a two-way street!
