At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and empower young people to achieve their ambitions.
- Company: Join a dynamic team making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, well-being support, training opportunities, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful change in social care and help vulnerable children thrive.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in child protection and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 48226 £ per year.
Location: Badminton Road, Yate office.
Salary Range: £45,091 – £48,226 per annum.
How you’ll make a difference
Our social workers make a real difference. Every day, they work with families to help children and young people who have had a difficult start in life to achieve their ambitions. You will be listening to young people and putting them at the heart of all that we do. Working in partnership with families, you will equip them with the skills they need to ensure young people live in happy, healthy and safe homes. Although this position is advertised as full‑time, we encourage experienced social workers seeking part‑time, job‑share or flexible working arrangements to apply.
What you will be doing
We have a strong culture of giving staff the time, freedom and support to explore new and better ways of doing things, so we’re looking for individuals keen to use their creativity to deliver high‑quality, child‑centred practices, which ensure the best outcomes for children and families. The Response Team sits within the Front Door of our Integrated Children’s Service. You will be assessing and managing risk where there is possible or actual significant harm to children to ensure that children are kept safe and protected from abuse. Regularly, you will undertake statutory assessments of cases meeting the threshold for social care intervention, including child protection investigations.
What we need from you
- Qualified social worker with relevant registration to practice (SWE registration) and a good understanding of asset and strengths‑based approaches to social work.
- You must have successfully completed your ASYE (where qualifying since 2012).
- Significant skills, knowledge and experience to assess and manage risk for the most vulnerable children in the community.
- Detailed understanding of successful strategies to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
- Problem‑solving aptitude, confidence in making important decisions, and a genuine passion for working collaboratively with children, young people and families.
- Experience of supervising or mentoring social workers or support staff, and substantial first‑hand experience in a relevant children’s social care team.
- Wider strategic critical thinking and ability to manage and advise on risk.
What you need to know
This role sits within an area currently undergoing change due to government‑led social care reform. As the sector evolves, some elements of the role may develop, offering opportunities to grow and be part of meaningful change. We will keep you fully informed and make sure you feel supported, valued and confident as updates arise.
The role is based in the Badminton Road, Yate office. Applicants seeking part‑time, job‑share or flexible working arrangements are welcome. A requirement of employment is an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle insured for business use, or an alternative suitable means of travel, as you will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area.
Key Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Full, valid driving licence or equivalent travel means.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave (pro rata).
- Well‑being support.
- Access to staff discounts (eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities).
- Training and development opportunities.
- Manageable caseloads and effective supervision.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Additional Information
Interviews are anticipated to be held week commencing 6th July 2026. This role offers a £3,000 recruitment payment, payable upon successful completion of the probationary period after approximately 3‑6 months and subject to eligibility criteria. Eligible posts are also eligible for a £3,000 retention payment, payable annually in November to those with two years’ service with the council in Children’s Social Care, including any ASYE period.
Senior Social Worker - Response Team in Bristol employer: South Gloucestershire Council
As a Senior Social Worker in the Response Team at our Badminton Road, Yate office, you will join a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the families we serve. We offer flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With manageable caseloads and a focus on collaboration, this role provides an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth within a dynamic environment undergoing positive change.
Contact Details:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Response Team in Bristol
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council.
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council!
✨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 South Gloucestershire Council, 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 South Gloucestershire Council 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 Senior Social Worker - Response Team in Bristol
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 South Gloucestershire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Gloucestershire Council! 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 South Gloucestershire Council
✨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.
