At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care to achieve safety, stability, and the best outcomes.
- Company: Join Torbay Council's passionate Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, golden hello, and annual retention payments.
- Other info: Live by the coast in beautiful Torbay with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least two years of experience in children's social care.
Application Deadline: 16 November 2026
Department: Childrens Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Torbay Council
Reporting To: Team Manager
Compensation: £41,403 - £48,704 / year
The full time equivalent salary of £41,403 to £48,704 includes an amount for a market supplement ranging from £959 to £1,039 per year. This market supplement is reviewed annually.
Help Shape Bright Futures for Children in Care. Following our recent GOOD Ofsted rating, there has never been a better time to join Torbay Children's Services. We're looking for passionate and experienced Social Workers to join our Cared For Team, working with children and young people in our care to help them achieve safety, stability, permanence and the best possible outcomes.
This is an opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships with children and young people, champion their voice, and support them to thrive. You'll work alongside families, foster carers, partner agencies and dedicated colleagues to ensure children receive the care, support and opportunities they deserve.
You’ll undertake statutory visits, develop and review care plans, support permanence planning, contribute to care reviews and work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people across Torbay.
Why Choose Torbay?
- Relationship-based, restorative practice.
- Supportive and reflective supervision.
- Manageable caseloads.
- Strong learning and development programme.
- Clear career progression pathways.
- Collaborative and visible leadership team.
- Recently rated GOOD by Ofsted.
About You
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Have completed your ASYE.
- An experienced practitioner with at least two years post-qualification experience in children's social care.
- Skilled in building effective relationships with children, families and carers.
- Confident in assessment, care planning and permanence planning.
- Passionate about improving outcomes and life chances for children and young people.
- Committed to achieving the best possible outcomes through relationship-based practice.
What We Offer (subject to T&Cs)
- Relocation package of up to £15,000.
- Golden Hello payment of up to £3,000.
- Annual retention payments of up to £3,000.
- Market Supplement of up to £929.
- Student loan repayment support.
- Professional registration and subscription support.
- Discounts with over 750 retailers.
- Subsidised parking.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Financial wellbeing support.
- Access to a comprehensive employee benefits package.
Live and Work by the Coast. Torbay, the English Riviera, offers an exceptional quality of life. With award-winning beaches, stunning coastline, beautiful countryside and affordable living, it’s the perfect place to build both your career and your lifestyle.
Join a service on an exciting improvement journey where children are at the heart of everything we do, relationships matter and social workers are empowered to make a real difference.
Regulated Activity
This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.
Interview Schedule
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 30th November 2026.
Eligibility
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Skills
- Able to assess situations with clarity and sensitivity and act professionally in crisis situations.
- Ability to demonstrate skills in mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
- Organisational/time management skills.
- Ability to work in an open and challenging way with families.
- Ability to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when appropriate.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
- General knowledge of the range of options available to children, young people and their families.
- Knowledge of appropriate child care legislation and how it affects children and young people.
- Knowledge of current CP practice, framework for Assessment and CLA materials.
- Awareness and understanding of relevant Child Care issues.
- Knowledge and understanding of application of an evidence base in practice.
Experience & Qualifications
- Social Work degree qualification, e.g., Dip SW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
- Membership of Social Work England.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- Direct work with Children Young People, Families and professionals.
- Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
Experienced Social Worker (Cared For Team) - 37 Hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With flexible hours and hybrid working options, staff can achieve a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful work that directly impacts the community. Opportunities for professional development and training ensure that employees can grow their skills and advance in their careers, making Torbay Council a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker (Cared For Team) - 37 Hours in Torquay
✨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 Torbay 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 Torbay 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 Torbay 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 Torbay 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 Experienced Social Worker (Cared For Team) - 37 Hours in Torquay
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 Torbay Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Torbay 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 Torbay 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.
