At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and assess parenting capacity to improve children's outcomes.
- Company: Outstanding child-centered service with a compassionate team.
- Benefits: Friendly environment, professional development, and high-quality supervision.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to trauma-informed practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives without the stress of a caseload.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child welfare and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 Taunton employer: Orchard House Family Assessment Centre
Orchard House is an outstanding employer, offering a warm and supportive team environment where social workers can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, you will have access to high-quality supervision and opportunities to enhance your skills in family assessment and safeguarding. Located in Taunton, Somerset, our organisation prioritises trauma-informed practices and collaborative teamwork, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Contact Details:
Orchard House Family Assessment Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Taunton
✨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 at places like Orchard House.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face as a Social Worker. Think about how your experience aligns with their trauma-informed and attachment-based practices, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child welfare! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about making a difference in children's lives. Your genuine enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the amazing team at Orchard House.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Taunton
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 reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in assessments and your ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, as these are key to the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for Orchard House.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard House Family Assessment Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself 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 your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their approach.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your assessment, communication, and relationship-building skills. Think about times when you’ve successfully supported families or contributed to multidisciplinary teams, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to reflective practice or how they support professional development within the team. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in growing with them.
✨Be Yourself
Orchard House values compassion and a supportive environment, so let your personality shine through. Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work there and how you can contribute to their mission. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!
