At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and assess parenting capacity to improve outcomes for children.
- Company: Outstanding Ofsted-rated organisation dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Warm team environment, professional development, and opportunities to grow specialist skills.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives in a supportive, collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child and family services.
- Other info: Engage in reflective practice and receive high-quality supervision.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Orchard House is a renowned national provider of child-centered assessment and intervention services established in 2005. We provide residential parenting assessments, alongside psychological and other related assessments to Family Courts and Local Authorities nationwide. We were rated Outstanding in every category by Ofsted in November 2025, recognising the expertise, compassion, and impact of our team. Our approach is grounded in:
- Trauma‑informed and attachment‑based practice
- Reflective, relational teamwork
- High‑quality multidisciplinary collaboration
At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and their families. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where families can demonstrate and improve their parenting abilities. Alongside assessments, our team delivers evidence‑based therapeutic interventions, enabling you to witness the positive changes this work brings to families.
The Role
We are looking for a dedicated Social Worker to join our highly skilled, supportive and reflective team. You will work with families to assess and support parenting capacity, contributing to improved outcomes for children. Unlike traditional social work posts, you will not hold your own caseload. Instead, you will work across the full span of different assessments - providing observations, supporting key meetings, and helping to shape clear, well‑evidenced recommendations. This role is ideal for someone who wants to deepen their skills in family assessment, safeguarding, and attachment‑informed practice. It may also suit someone who is looking to step back from the demands of carrying their own caseload, while still making a significant and meaningful contribution to the lives of children and families. You will work closely with Consultant Social Workers, Clinical Psychologists, Family Support Workers, and Family Intervention Workers, directly shaping the futures of vulnerable children and families.
What You Will Be Doing
- Contributing to high-quality evidence‑based assessments
- Building meaningful relationships with families to support positive outcomes
- Providing observations and safeguarding input
- Covering meetings, reviews or multi‑agency discussions
- Supporting parents to develop insight, understand risks, and strengthen parenting skills
- Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Keeping accurate records
- Participating in weekly case‑mapping
You will be based at Orchard House Family Services and in the two residential family centres, both of which are based in Taunton, Somerset.
About You
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Experience working with children and families
- Compassionate approach with a commitment to child welfare
- Strong assessment, communication, and relationship‑building skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to reflective practice and professional development
Why Join Orchard House?
- Outstanding Ofsted-rated organisation
- Warm, friendly, and supportive team environment
- Weekly case mapping and high‑quality supervision
- Opportunities to grow specialist assessment and safeguarding skills
- Trauma‑informed, relational practice embedded across the service
Interested? If you are passionate about making a difference to children's lives and thrive in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you. Further information and a full application pack can be found on our website. We warmly welcome informal conversations. To learn more about the role or our service, please contact Sophie Pinder (Managing Director) at 01823 351785.
Shortlisting notification: Thursday 12th March, by 1500
Interviews: Thursday 19th March – In person
ORCHARD HOUSE IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS. APPLICATIONS WILL BE CLOSELY CHECKED AND SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL REQUIRE AN ENHANCED DBS CHECK.
Social Worker in Somerset employer: Orchard House Family Assessment Centre
Contact Detail:
Orchard House Family Assessment Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 child welfare and family assessments. We recommend role-playing with a friend or colleague to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child welfare during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, and highlight your commitment to trauma-informed practices. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our outstanding team at Orchard House.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to child welfare and how you can contribute to our supportive environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Social Worker at Orchard House. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially in assessments and multidisciplinary teamwork, to show us you're the right fit.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and qualifications, making it easy for us to see how you meet the requirements of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important information about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard House Family Assessment Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with Orchard House’s mission and values. Understand their trauma-informed and attachment-based practices, as well as the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and align with their approach.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience working with children and families. Think of specific examples where you’ve built meaningful relationships or contributed to positive outcomes. Highlight your assessment skills and how you’ve collaborated within multidisciplinary teams.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, case mapping processes, or opportunities for professional development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Orchard House is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Orchard House values compassion and authenticity. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your passion for child welfare and your commitment to reflective practice. They want to see the real you!