Family Safeguarding Social Worker in Taunton

This role safeguards and supports children and young people by assessing their needs, planning effective interventions, and helping them thrive in safe, stable environments. It involves working closely with families and professionals to promote safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes.

Role summary

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people by working with families and partner agencies to assess needs, plan interventions, and deliver support that helps children thrive in safe and nurturing environments.

Children and Young People’s Social Care provide statutory services for:

• Children in Need (including children with disabilities)
• Children subject to Child Protection Plans
• Children Looked After and Care Leavers

Qualified Social Workers work to Social Work England standards, holding case responsibility and working closely with multi‑agency partners.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Carry out high‑quality, child‑centred assessments of need and risk to safeguard children and young people.
• Build trusting relationships with children and families, using strengths‑based and trauma‑informed practice.
• Manage a caseload of children with varying levels of complexity, responding to referrals and escalating risk where required.
• Develop, review and deliver care plans and evidence‑based interventions that reflect the child’s voice and best interests.
• Complete statutory assessments, reviews and risk assessments in line with legislation, policy and best practice.
• Work closely with multi‑agency partners (including health, education, housing and police) and act as lead professional where appropriate.
• Prepare clear, timely reports and documentation, including for courts and decision‑making forums.
• Maintain accurate, high‑quality records and contribute to team quality assurance and service improvement.
• Promote equality, diversity and children’s rights through anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Participate in duty work, professional development, supervision and service initiatives as required.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

• Knowledge and understanding of social care practice, including relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities.
• Understanding of social care resources and support available beyond statutory services.
• Relevant experience working in social care within a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Experience of partnership working with other agencies such as health, education and voluntary sector organisations.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families with a range of needs and complexities.
• Possession of a recognised social work qualification (or equivalent).
• Registration with the professional social work regulatory body.
• Strong IT skills to accurately record, manage and retrieve information.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to use clear and plain English.
• Ability to manage sensitive and challenging situations and recognise when escalation is required.
• Awareness of current government guidance and legislative changes affecting social care.
• Supervisory experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development and reflective practice.

Any Additional Information

This role requires multi‑agency working, accurate record keeping and commitment to continuous professional development.

Please Note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.

Based in Taunton, we are very open to flexible working options. You will need to hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required.

Due to the importance of the role we recommend applying as soon as possible. Depending on the level of response, we anticipate conducting interviews ahead of the closing date.

For an informal chat about roles within our team please contact Sussanah.Heywood@somerset.gov.uk. A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.