At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable families and mentor newly qualified social workers in their career journey.
- Company: Join a leading team in County Durham's outstanding Children's Services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Significant experience with children and families, plus a commitment to improving outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced social worker ready to progress your career and step into a role in supporting our Newly Qualified Social Workers, modelling exceptional practice that will inspire and develop their skills at this important stage of their careers? We are looking for an Enhanced Social Work Practitioner to join our Families First Durham West Team based in Chester-le-Street. Hugely rewarding and full of variety and challenge - this could be the right role for you!
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Our Families First teams work with our most vulnerable children, young people, and families in County Durham. As part of a dedicated team, you will hold a protected caseload and use your expertise to support families, help keep children safe, and enable them both to thrive.
In addition to holding a reduced caseload, you will use your experience and knowledge to play a key role as mentor to our Newly Qualified Social Workers in their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). As a mentor you will:
- Provide advice and guidance to our Newly Qualified Social Workers to help them build their confidence, resilience, knowledge, and skills in line with the post-qualifying standards.
- Plan and facilitate sessions that encourage our Newly Qualified Social Workers to reflect, develop multiple hypotheses and enable peer challenge and critical reflection in decision-making. Sessions will incorporate the Signs of Safety practice model and trauma‑informed relational practice.
- Provide advice and guidance to Newly Qualified Social Workers on their cases and co‑work more complex cases ensuring this reflection is evident on the child’s record and improves outcomes for the child.
- Work closely with the Practice Leads in our Social Work Academy and the Team Manager to ensure that the Newly Qualified Social Workers have appropriate caseloads in terms of number and complexity, and that their ASYE progresses well.
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.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To apply for this role you will:
- Be a social worker with significant experience of work with children, young people and families.
- Have experience of using evidence‑based practice to devise effective interventions.
- Have knowledge and experience of implementing legislation and national standards relevant to the role.
- Have the ability to implement a range of social work theories relevant to the role.
- Be committed to improving outcomes for children, young people, families and carers.
You can read more about the experience, skills and personal qualities we are looking for in the attached person specification. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 19th March 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
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. This post is eligible for a recruitment/retention allowance of £2,500 over 12 months (pro‑rate 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. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
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 people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent. Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk.
Enhanced Social Work Practitioner in London employer: North East Ambition
Join our Families First Durham West Team in Chester-le-Street, where we are dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families. As an Enhanced Social Work Practitioner, you will not only hold a protected caseload but also mentor Newly Qualified Social Workers, fostering their growth in a culture that values professional development and outstanding practice. With competitive salaries, generous leave, and a commitment to equality and diversity, we offer a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Enhanced Social Work Practitioner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to social work. Think about how you can showcase your experience with children and families, and be ready to discuss your mentoring skills for Newly Qualified Social Workers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Check out our website for roles that excite you and match your expertise in supporting vulnerable children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Enhanced Social Work Practitioner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience working with children, young people, and families. We want to see how you've used evidence-based practices in your previous roles, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Tailor Your Application:Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use the language from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Specific About Your Skills:When filling out the Person Specification section, be specific about how your skills align with the essential criteria. We love seeing clear examples of how you've implemented social work theories and legislation in your past work.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through the Northeast Jobs portal, so make sure you submit your application there. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the guidance you need on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social work theories and legislation relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've applied evidence-based practices in your previous roles, especially when working with children and families.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since this role involves mentoring Newly Qualified Social Workers, think about specific examples where you've guided or supported others. Prepare to share how you’ve helped colleagues build their confidence and skills, and be ready to discuss your approach to facilitating reflective practice.
✨Understand the Signs of Safety Model
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety practice model, as it’s a key part of the role. Be prepared to explain how you would incorporate this model into your mentoring sessions and casework, demonstrating your understanding of trauma-informed relational practice.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and professional development opportunities available. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
