Social Worker / Senior Social Worker (Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce) in Sunderland

Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service, if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you.

Help reshape outcomes for some of Sunderland’s most vulnerable children and young people. Together for Children Sunderland is seeking a passionate and skilled Social Worker or Senior Social Worker to join our newly established Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST). The APST is an innovative multi-disciplinary team bringing together professionals from education, social care, youth justice and other specialist services to provide integrated, child-centred support for children and young people accessing Alternative Provision.

The team has been established to improve inclusion, strengthen attendance and engagement, reduce risks associated with exclusion, exploitation and serious violence, and support successful reintegration into education, training and employment. This is an exciting opportunity to work differently, contributing social work expertise within a collaborative team focused on prevention, earlier intervention and helping children achieve positive outcomes.

As a Social Worker within the APST, you will provide specialist social care advice and support to schools, Alternative Provision settings, families and partner agencies. The role is not intended to hold statutory case responsibility. Instead, you will use your expertise to strengthen assessment, planning and intervention for children who are vulnerable, excluded, at risk of exclusion, involved in Alternative Provision, or at risk of exploitation, serious violence or offending.

You will work directly with children, young people and families, helping to identify barriers to education, improve engagement, strengthen protective factors and coordinate effective support around the child. You will also play an important role in ensuring children's wishes, feelings and experiences shape decision-making and intervention planning.

Working alongside colleagues such as the Youth Justice Worker, Family Help Worker, Reintegration Officer and Educational Psychologist, you will contribute to multidisciplinary assessments, intervention planning and case reviews, ensuring children receive coordinated, timely support. The successful candidate will also act as the APST Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), providing safeguarding expertise and supporting robust decision-making across the service.

We are looking for an experienced, relationship-focused practitioner who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people. You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE. You will bring experience of statutory social work, safeguarding, assessment and multi-agency working with children and families. You will have strong communication and analytical skills, the ability to engage children and families who may be reluctant to access support, and experience of working with complex needs and risk. Experience relating to attendance, exclusion, Alternative Provision, youth justice, exploitation, SEND or trauma-informed practice would be particularly valuable.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to child-centred, restorative and inclusive practice and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

As we expect a high level of interest, we are unable to offer individual calls or meetings. Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.

Why work with us?

• Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
• Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
• Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
• Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
• Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead inclusion@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.

Are you ready to make a difference?