At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-18 to achieve safe and stable outcomes.
- Company: Bradford Children and Families Trust, committed to meaningful change.
- Benefits: 31 days annual leave, pension scheme, and strong career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience managing a statutory caseload and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on collaboration and positive outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 46142 £ per year.
Bradford | Permanent | Full Time Salary: £38,220 – £46,142 (PO1–3, SCP 27–35) Plus £3,000 Annual Retention Bonus (Pay award pending)
Social Personnel is recruiting on behalf of Bradford Children and Families Trust, an organisation committed to delivering meaningful, lasting change for children and families across the city. This is an exciting opportunity to join Bradford at a time of real transformation and improvement, with a newly restructured Children in Care service spanning ages 0–18, designed to provide continuity, stability and better outcomes for children.
Why Join Bradford?
Bradford is a diverse, vibrant city with a strong sense of community. You’ll be supported by a permanent and committed senior leadership team, offering stability, clear vision and a strong practice culture. Recent Ofsted feedback recognises Bradford’s significant progress, with improvements delivered ahead of expectations. The Trust’s practice model is restorative and relationship-based, focused on trust, collaboration and meaningful engagement with children and families.
The Role
As a Social Worker in the Children in Care Team, you’ll work with children and young people aged 0–18, supporting them to achieve safe, stable and permanent outcomes. You’ll manage a statutory caseload, build strong relationships, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to ensure children’s voices are central to all decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a caseload of Children in Care
- Undertaking comprehensive assessments and direct work
- Developing, implementing and reviewing child-centred care plans
- Supporting children and young people to achieve permanence through:
- Long-term care
- Reunification with parents
- Placement with extended family
About You
We’re looking for committed, relationship-focused social workers who are passionate about improving the lives of children. You will need:
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (reasonable adjustments considered)
- Experience managing a statutory caseload
- Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and professionals
- Confidence working in complex situations, including conflict and challenge
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
What’s On Offer
- 31 days annual leave, rising to 34 with service (plus bank holidays)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Clear pay progression structure
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Supportive carer and parental policies
- Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts
- Strong professional development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive staff networks and wellbeing initiatives
If you’re looking to join an organisation where relationships, stability and outcomes truly matter, this is the perfect time to join Bradford Children and Families Trust.
Permanent Social Worker – Children in Care (0–18) employer: Social Personnel
Contact Detail:
Social Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Permanent Social Worker – Children in Care (0–18)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Bradford Children and Families Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common social work scenarios. Think about how you’d handle complex situations, especially those involving children and families. We want to show that we can think on our feet and advocate effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for improving lives! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. This will help us connect with the values of Bradford’s practice model.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of your progress and provide updates directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Permanent Social Worker – Children in Care (0–18)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'relationship-focused' and 'child-centred care plans', to show we’re on the same page.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your strong assessment and report-writing skills. Share specific examples of how you’ve managed a statutory caseload or built trusting relationships with children and families.
Be Authentic: Let your passion for improving children's lives shine through. We want to see your personality and commitment to the role, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and experiences that drive you.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Bradford Children and Families Trust’s mission and values. Understand their restorative and relationship-based practice model, as this will show your genuine interest in their approach to social work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing a statutory caseload. Prepare specific examples of how you've built relationships with children and families, and how you've adapted care plans to meet changing needs. This will demonstrate your practical skills and commitment.
✨Communicate Clearly
During the interview, focus on clear and concise communication. Practice articulating your thoughts on complex situations, especially those involving conflict or challenge. This will highlight your confidence and ability to navigate difficult conversations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the support available for social workers and how the team collaborates with multi-agency partners. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team’s success.