Social Worker – Children in Care

Social Worker – Children in Care | Herefordshire Council

Salary up to £45,777 per annum + £4,000 retention bonus + £10,000 relocation package + £10,000 welcome bonus (paid in two increments)
Hybrid working | ASAP start | UK experience required | Driver required

Herefordshire Council are recruiting a Social Worker into their Children in Care service. This is a key frontline role focused on supporting children who are looked after to achieve stability, permanence and positive long-term outcomes. You’ll be working directly with children, young people and their networks, ensuring their care experience is safe, consistent and purposeful.

Herefordshire’s Children’s Services have been on a clear improvement journey, with Ofsted highlighting strengthened leadership and direction. The council continues to invest in its workforce, offering a supportive environment for Social Workers to develop and progress.

Salary and benefits

• Salary up to £45,777 per annum
• £4,000 retention bonus (added onto salary)
• £10,000 relocation bonus/package (subject to eligibility)
• £10,000 welcome bonus (paid in two increments)
• Hybrid working (balanced office/home set-up)
• Supportive management and team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and progression

Key responsibilities (detailed)

As a Social Worker in Children in Care, you will hold a caseload of looked after children and be responsible for delivering high-quality statutory social work that promotes stability, permanence and improved outcomes.

Case management and statutory responsibilities

• Hold and manage a caseload of children in care, ensuring all statutory duties are met
• Complete statutory visits, care plans and reviews in line with legislation and timescales
• Maintain clear, up-to-date and analytical case records
• Build meaningful, trusting relationships with children and young people to understand their lived experiences
• Ensure the child’s voice is central to all planning and decision-making

Care planning and permanence

• Develop, implement and regularly review high-quality care plans
• Progress permanence planning without delay, including reunification, long-term fostering, Special Guardianship Orders (SGO), and adoption (where appropriate)
• Work proactively to avoid drift and ensure timely decision-making for children
• Work closely with Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) to maintain robust and effective care planning

Placement stability and outcomes

• Monitor and support placement stability, responding quickly to any risks of breakdown
• Take a proactive role in resolving issues impacting placements and supporting positive outcomes
• Ensure children’s needs are consistently met across education, health, emotional wellbeing, and identity and life story work

Direct work with children and young people

• Undertake purposeful direct work to support children’s understanding of their experiences and plans
• Support life story work and preparation for transitions (including leaving care where relevant)
• Advocate for children to ensure their wishes and feelings are heard and acted upon

Multi-agency working and corporate parenting

• Work collaboratively with carers, families and professionals including education, health, CAMHS and providers
• Contribute effectively to multi-agency meetings and reviews
• Act as a strong corporate parent, championing the needs and outcomes of children in care

Legal literacy (minimum threshold for this post)

• Manage cases involving legal processes where required, ensuring all work is timely and evidence-based
• Prepare high-quality court reports, statements and care plans
• Work closely with legal services and attend court as needed

Systems, compliance and recording

• Ensure accurate and timely recording on the council’s electronic case management system
• Maintain compliance with statutory guidance, policies and procedures
• Use systems such as Liquidlogic (LCS) or Mosaic where applicable

Non-negotiable requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
• UK local authority experience within Children’s Services
• Experience working with Children in Care or strong transferable safeguarding/court experience
• Must be a driver (full UK driving licence)
• Strong assessment, planning and analytical skills

What makes a strong applicant for Herefordshire

• Ability to build strong, consistent relationships with children in care
• Evidence of achieving positive outcomes (stability, permanence, reduced drift)
• Confident in managing risk and complex situations
• Organised, resilient and committed to high standards of practice

Apply or refer someone now

If you’re a Social Worker looking for your next move and can start quickly (or have a clear notice period), get in touch today. We offer up to £300 for a referral if you know someone suitable.

Josh Da Costa
jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com
07513 834554 | 01635 226350