Date: 19 Jun 2026
Location: Shepton Mallet, GB, BA4 5BT
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date 5 July 2026
£37,280 to £41,771 per annum
Hybrid working opportunities
30 days annual leave
Access to innovative AI technology including Magic Notes.
At Somerset Council, we are proud to be on an ambitious journey to transform how we support children and families across the county. As part of our Families First Partnership programme, we are reshaping services to ensure families receive the right help, at the right time, in the right way—working together with partners across social care, education, Police, health, and communities.
This is a significant and exciting period of change. We are developing a more connected, relationship-based system that puts children, young people and families at the centre—strengthening early help, enhancing multi-agency working, and supporting more children to grow up safely within their families and communities.
To help us deliver this transformation, we are recruiting to a number of roles across Children’s Services, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful, long-term change and be part of a workforce committed to improving outcomes for Somerset’s children and families.
This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for two years, aligned to the delivery of our transformation programme. During this time, you will play a key part in shaping new ways of working, embedding innovation, and helping us build a sustainable system that makes a lasting difference.
If you are motivated by improving outcomes, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to be part of a service that is evolving and forward-thinking, we would love to hear from you.
Role Purpose
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
Essential:
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 Social Work England and social worker qualified
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
Desirable:
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 across Somerset, 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 Richard Scott via email
[email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
Job Ref number 1031/HC
