At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through timely assessments and collaborative interventions.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, dedicated to strengthening children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a beautiful county with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration required.
Position Open to Candidates Seeking Sponsorship
Salary: £36,363 - £40,777 + (£5,000 market supplement)
Contract: Permanent, Hybrid
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, or Leominster
Welcome payment: £10,000 (subject to guidance)
Relocation support: Up to £10,000 available
Herefordshire Council is looking to recruit a committed and capable Children’s Social Worker to join its Assessment & Support Service on a permanent basis. This is an opportunity to join a local authority that is continuing to strengthen children’s services and invest in high-quality practice. Working across locality-based teams in Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster, you will be part of a service focused on timely intervention, collaborative working and achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families.
The Assessment & Support Service is made up of three teams, each operating from a locality office and made up of a Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, Social Workers and Family Support Workers. This structure supports close team working, accessible management oversight and strong professional support.
Herefordshire’s approach to practice is rooted in restorative social work. Reflection, collaboration and relationship-based work are central to how the service operates, and managers are available to offer support when complexity and risk require clear guidance.
The role
As a Social Worker in the Assessment & Support Team, you will play a vital role in responding to children, young people and families at the point they need help most. You will complete timely, high-quality assessments to understand the needs, risks and strengths within each family, ensuring that children’s voices remain central to planning and decision-making. Your role will involve working directly with children and families, alongside colleagues across the directorate and partner agencies, to determine the most appropriate support and intervention.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Responding to referrals in a timely and child-focused way
- Completing assessments that are analytical, evidence-based and outcome-focused
- Identifying risk, need and protective factors to inform decision-making
- Investigating concerns and determining the most appropriate support for children and families
- Working collaboratively with families and professionals to promote positive and sustainable change
- Taking decisive action where children require safeguarding and protection
This is a frontline role that requires sound judgement, strong assessment skills and the ability to work purposefully with families from the earliest point of involvement. Herefordshire is continuing its improvement journey, and this post offers the chance to make a real contribution to the development of the service while improving outcomes for children and young people across the county.
About you
We are looking for a Social Worker who brings both strong professional capability and a clear commitment to improving the lives of children and families. To be considered, you should be able to demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families through high-quality assessment and timely intervention
- Good analytical, planning and decision-making skills, with the ability to understand and respond to each child’s individual needs
- Confidence in working collaboratively with families, colleagues and partner agencies
- The resilience and professional judgement needed to manage complex situations effectively
- A reflective and thoughtful approach to practice, with a commitment to learning and development
- The ability to work well in a supportive but fast-paced team environment
- A child-centred approach that keeps safety, wellbeing and long-term outcomes at the forefront of practice
You must also hold:
- A recognised Social Work qualification such as Degree in Social Work, DipSW or CQSW
- Current Social Work England registration
What Herefordshire offers
Herefordshire Council offers a strong package of salary, benefits and professional support, including:
- Salary from £36,363 to £40,777
- Annual market supplement of £5,000
- £10,000 welcome payment subject to guidance
- Retention payment of £2,000 to £4,000, depending on team
- Relocation support of up to £10,000
- Protected time and investment in professional development
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Clear progression opportunities and career pathways
- 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- The option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
- Flexible working arrangements, including agile working, part-time working and job share where appropriate
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Payment of professional membership fees where applicable
- A benefits package offering discounts, savings and cashback across retail, travel, leisure and health
Why join Herefordshire?
Herefordshire is a historic and distinctive county on the Welsh border, known for its market towns, rural communities and strong sense of place. More importantly, it is a local authority committed to strengthening children’s services and supporting the workforce behind them. The council’s priority is straightforward: to keep children safe and help them achieve the best possible start in life. That commitment is supported by investment in relational practice, experienced leadership and ongoing professional development, alongside partnership working with Leeds City Council as improvement partner.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Social Worker who wants to join a supportive service, develop their practice and make a meaningful difference to children and families. If you are ready for your next move in children’s services, Herefordshire would like to hear from you.
Social Worker - Assessment and Support in Hereford employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment focused on improving outcomes for children and families. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including relocation support, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's dedication to relational practice and ongoing improvement ensures that staff are well-supported and empowered to excel in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Assessment and Support in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Herefordshire Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios you've faced in your social work career and how you handled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will show your analytical and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child-centred practice! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've put children's voices at the heart of your work. This aligns perfectly with Herefordshire's focus on achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Assessment and Support in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Worker in the Assessment & Support Team. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving the lives of children and families shine through in your written application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or situations, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. Highlight your key achievements and skills without overwhelming us with too much information.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures it reaches the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Assessment & Support Team. Brush up on your knowledge of child protection laws, assessment techniques, and the importance of collaborative working with families and professionals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and how you've successfully worked with children and families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment
Herefordshire Council is looking for someone who is genuinely committed to improving the lives of children and families. Be ready to talk about why this role matters to you and how your values align with their focus on timely intervention and positive outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and professional development opportunities. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
