At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care to reunite with their families and ensure their safety.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with manageable caseloads and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and strengthen family relationships.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and family support.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 38220 £ per year.
Welcome to North Somerset Council’s Web Recruitment page where you will find details of our current vacancies.
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
Help Children Return Home Safely and Successfully. Are you a passionate and experienced Social Worker committed to improving outcomes for children and families? We are seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our Children in Care service, supporting children in care to safely return to the care of their parents or wider family networks where this is in their best interests. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative service focused on reducing unnecessary time in care, strengthening family relationships, and ensuring children experience stability, permanence, and belonging.
As a Reunification Social Worker, you will work directly with children, families, foster carers, and partner agencies to assess readiness for reunification and coordinate tailored plans that support successful returns home.
In this role, you will:
- Undertake comprehensive reunification assessments.
- Develop and coordinate evidence-based reunification plans aligned to best practice.
- Build strong relationships with children and families.
- Lead and contribute to multi-agency planning and decision-making.
- Identify strengths, risks, and support needs within families.
- Monitor children's progress following reunification and provide ongoing support to reduce the risk of re-entry into care.
- Work collaboratively with Family Support Workers and other professionals to ensure interventions are effective and child-focused.
- Maintain high-quality recording, assessment, and case management.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
- 2-3 days in the office.
- Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting children and families, and who possesses the following skills and experience.
Essential Criteria
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Experienced in working with children in care, safeguarding, and family support.
- Skilled in assessment, direct work, and relationship-based practice.
- Passionate about achieving permanence and improving outcomes for children.
- Confident in engaging families experiencing complex challenges.
- Able to work collaboratively across professional networks.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Manageable caseloads.
- High quality supervision and professional development.
- Opportunities to contribute to innovative reunification practice.
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
Contact Information
If you believe children belong within safe, loving families wherever possible and have the skills to make reunification successful, we would love to hear from you. Contact Becky Thompson, Head of Service, for more information.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: Monday 14 September 2026.
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Social Worker - Reunification Team employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and personal growth. As an Outreach Librarian, you'll enjoy flexible hours while making a meaningful impact in Weston-super-Mare, with opportunities to develop your skills in public service and connect with diverse community members. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises collaboration, creativity, and the joy of sharing knowledge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Reunification Team
✨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 North Somerset 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 North Somerset 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 North Somerset 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 North Somerset 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 Social Worker - Reunification Team
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 North Somerset Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North Somerset 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 North Somerset 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.
