At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children through safeguarding and intervention processes.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to improving social work services.
- Benefits: £10,000 Welcome Payment, £4,000 Retention Payment, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying professional growth.
- Qualifications: Social Work degree, registration, and experience in Child Protection.
Herefordshire Council continues to invest in its social work services, with a clear focus on workforce stability, reduced caseloads, and reflective practice. The service is on a strong improvement journey, currently undergoing Ofsted inspection, and continues to embed the Family Safeguarding model across all teams.
As a Social Worker in the Safeguarding & Support Team, you’ll work with families on Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Proceedings pathways, building strong and trusting relationships to achieve lasting change. This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll work alongside adult specialists and partner agencies to develop effective safety and support plans. You’ll balance professional curiosity with empathy, ensuring every decision is underpinned by evidence-based practice and a clear focus on the child’s voice.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a caseload of children requiring ongoing statutory intervention under CIN, CP, and court processes.
- Develop and implement robust Child Protection and Child in Need plans.
- Prepare clear and concise reports for conferences and legal proceedings.
- Work closely with multi-disciplinary professionals to safeguard and support families.
- Ensure accurate and timely case recording on the MOSAIC system.
- Promote best practice through reflection, supervision, and peer support.
Herefordshire’s Family Safeguarding Model is built around restorative and relationship-based practice. Each team includes adult specialists in domestic abuse, substance misuse, and mental health, enabling truly holistic interventions that address the root causes of harm. Social workers use Motivational Interviewing and Restorative Practice to help families make sustainable changes. Reflective supervision, manageable caseloads, and a focus on wellbeing ensure practitioners can focus on what matters most — improving outcomes for children.
Requirements- Social Work degree or equivalent qualification.
- Social Work England registration.
- Experience within Child Protection, CIN, or Court work.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and frameworks.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Pool cars available for work travel.
- Sponsorship available for candidates with 2+ years UK experience.
- £10,000 Welcome Payment & £4,000 Retention Payment.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Protected professional development time and training budget.
- Clear progression pathways to Senior Social Worker level.
- Flexible working: flexi-time, job share, part-time hours, and hybrid options.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Payment of Social Work England registration fees.
- “Pick Your Perks” benefits portal offering discounts on retail, health, leisure and travel.
- 31 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
Interested? Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips to discuss this role in more detail.
Referral Bonus: Know someone perfect for the role? We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.
Social Worker in Hereford employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises workforce stability and manageable caseloads. With a strong commitment to professional development, including protected training time and clear progression pathways, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of families in the community. The hybrid working options and generous benefits package, including a £10,000 Welcome Payment and 31 days of annual leave, further enhance the appeal of joining our dedicated Safeguarding & Support Team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Hereford
✨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 Sheldon Phillips Ltd.
✨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 Sheldon Phillips Ltd!
✨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 Sheldon Phillips Ltd, 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 Sheldon Phillips Ltd 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 in Hereford
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 Sheldon Phillips Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sheldon Phillips Ltd! 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 Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨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.
