Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker

Stoke-on-Trent Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children and families while leading a team of social workers.
  • Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous salaries, and a relocation package up to £8,000.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with at least three years of experience.
  • Other info: Sponsorship for UK work may be available; apply early as roles may close quickly.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Are you ready to take your next step as a Senior Social Worker with a welcoming team dedicated to making a difference? Stoke-on-Trent City Council is offering exciting opportunities across several departments for experienced social workers to join them and help deliver exceptional services to children, young people, and families.

This is a fantastic chance to take on a rewarding role with excellent support for your continued professional development.

About the role

As a Senior Social Worker, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality social care services, providing direct support to children and families. You’ll be responsible for completing statutory duties, developing care plans, and working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to achieve the best possible outcomes. There are opportunities available in the following departments:

  • CSS Duty & Assessment – responding to new referrals and conducting initial assessments.
  • Corporate Parenting 0-13 – supporting children in care aged 0-13, ensuring they receive the stability and care they deserve.
  • Court Team – managing cases that require legal proceedings, providing expert evidence, and supporting children through the process.
  • Children’s Safeguarding & Support – working with children on child protection plans, offering intensive support and safeguarding interventions.

You will also provide mentorship and guidance to newly qualified and less experienced social workers, sharing your expertise to support their growth and development.

The ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, you will:

  • Be a qualified Social Worker with a minimum of three years’ experience.
  • Have the ability to inspire and lead by example, offering mentorship and support to your colleagues.

Why join Stoke-on-Trent?

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, you’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive team that values professional development. You’ll benefit from:

  • A relocation package of up to £8,000 to help you make a smooth transition if you’re moving to the area. This covers expenses such as removal costs, legal fees, and other associated expenses.
  • Daily Commuter Travel Allowance as an alternative to relocation support. If you decide not to relocate (for example, on a fixed-term contract), you may be eligible to claim commuter travel expenses.
  • Generous salary packages and clear progression pathways, with many Senior Social Workers advancing to Team Manager roles.
  • Comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you enhance your skills and advance your career.
  • Flexible working options (where applicable) to support work-life balance.
  • Access to mental health support and staff equality and diversity networks.

If you are passionate about making a difference in children and families' lives, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jo Brammer, Recruitment & Retention Lead - Email joanne.brammer@stoke.gov.uk

Additional information

Sponsorship to work in the UK may be considered for this role upon a successful interview. This role may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a high volume of applications is received. Shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis, with interviews taking place bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed together.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, apply today.

Senior Social Worker employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and close-knit work environment where professional development is highly valued. With generous salary packages, clear progression pathways, and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Additionally, the council provides flexible working options, mental health support, and a relocation package to ensure a smooth transition for new team members.
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Contact Detail:

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific departments mentioned in the job description, such as CSS Duty & Assessment and Corporate Parenting. Understanding their unique challenges and priorities will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience and skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your mentorship experience in detail. Since the role involves guiding less experienced social workers, having specific examples of how you've supported others in their professional development will set you apart.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends and legislation in social work, particularly those affecting children and families. Being able to speak knowledgeably about recent developments will show your commitment to the field and readiness for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker

Qualified Social Worker
Experience in Child Protection
Case Management
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Statutory Duty Compliance
Care Plan Development
Mentorship and Guidance
Strong Communication Skills
Empathy and Compassion
Problem-Solving Skills
Conflict Resolution
Report Writing
Knowledge of Safeguarding Policies
Ability to Inspire and Lead

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Social Worker, particularly focusing on your three years of experience and any specific roles that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for working with children and families. Mention specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.

Highlight Leadership Skills: Since the role involves mentorship, emphasise any leadership or mentoring experiences you have. Discuss how you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to team development in your previous positions.

Showcase Professional Development: Mention any training or professional development courses you’ve completed that are relevant to social work. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and aligns with Stoke-on-Trent City Council's values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Senior Social Worker. Highlight specific cases where you made a significant impact, especially in areas like child protection or multi-agency collaboration.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since this role involves mentoring less experienced social workers, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or supported colleagues in their professional development. This will show your ability to inspire and guide others.

✨Understand the Local Context

Familiarise yourself with Stoke-on-Trent City Council's values and the specific challenges faced by the community. Showing that you understand the local context will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

✨Prepare Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team dynamics, support for professional development, and the council's approach to safeguarding. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Senior Social Worker
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
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