Senior Social Worker - Response Team in Nibley

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 post is advertised as a full-time position, we encourage and welcome applications from experienced social workers who may be seeking part‑time, job share or flexible working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• We have a strong culture of giving staff the time, freedom and support to explore new and better ways of doing things, and we are looking for individuals keen to use their creativity to deliver high quality, child‑centred practices.
• The Response team sits within the Front Door of our Integrated Children’s Service.
• You will assess and manage risk where there is possible or actual significant harm to children, ensuring that children are kept safe and protected from abuse.
• Regularly undertake statutory assessments of cases meeting the threshold for social care intervention, including child protection investigations.
• Travel throughout the authority and surrounding area; you must have a full, valid driving licence with access to a vehicle insured for business use or an alternative suitable means of travel.
• The role is currently based in the Badminton Road, Yate office.
• You may arrange part‑time, job share or flexible working arrangements in line with council policy.
• Support the development of early intervention partnership capacity and work with multi‑agency partners to achieve better outcomes for families.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with relevant registration to practice (SWE registration) and a good understanding of asset and strengths‑based approaches.
• Successfully completed your ASYE (qualifying since 2012).
• Evidence of 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.
• Experience of supervision or mentoring of social workers or support staff, and substantial first‑hand experience in a relevant children’s social care team.
• Demonstrated strategic critical thinking and the ability to manage and advise on risk.
• Requirement of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• Recruitment payment of £3,000 pro rata, payable upon successful completion of probationary period (after approximately 3–6 months).
• Retention payment of £3,000 pro rata, payable annually in November to those with two years’ service in Children’s Social Care.
• Generous annual leave (pro rata) and employee well‑being support.
• Access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
• Comprehensive reward offer to recognise staff performance.
• Strong training and development programme including a systemic practice academy and in‑house specialist support.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of merit and ability. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and ensuring all staff are given the right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.