Social Worker – Safeguarding & Support Team

Herefordshire Council
Salary: £41,363 - £45,777 per annum
Plus: £10,000 Welcome Payment & £4,000 Retention Payment
Contract: Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid working available

Herefordshire Council continues to invest in its social work services, with a clear focus on workforce stability, reduced caseloads, and reflective practice. The service is on a strong improvement journey, currently undergoing Ofsted inspection, and continues to embed the Family Safeguarding model across all teams.

About the Role

As a Social Worker in the Safeguarding & Support Team, you’ll work with families on Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Proceedings pathways, building strong and trusting relationships to achieve lasting change.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll work alongside adult specialists and partner agencies to develop effective safety and support plans. You’ll balance professional curiosity with empathy, ensuring every decision is underpinned by evidence-based practice and a clear focus on the child’s voice.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of children requiring ongoing statutory intervention under CIN, CP, and court processes.
Develop and implement robust Child Protection and Child in Need plans.
Prepare clear and concise reports for conferences and legal proceedings.
Work closely with multi-disciplinary professionals to safeguard and support families.
Ensure accurate and timely case recording on the MOSAIC system.
Promote best practice through reflection, supervision, and peer support.

Practice Model

Herefordshire’s Family Safeguarding Model is built around restorative and relationship-based practice. Each team includes adult specialists in domestic abuse, substance misuse, and mental health, enabling truly holistic interventions that address the root causes of harm.

Social workers use Motivational Interviewing and Restorative Practice to help families make sustainable changes. Reflective supervision, manageable caseloads, and a focus on wellbeing ensure practitioners can focus on what matters most — improving outcomes for children.

Requirements

Social Work degree or equivalent qualification.
Social Work England registration.
Experience within Child Protection, CIN, or Court work.
Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and frameworks.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Pool cars available for work travel.
Sponsorship available for candidates with 2+ years UK experience.

Benefits

£10,000 Welcome Payment & £4,000 Retention Payment.
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Protected professional development time and training budget.
Clear progression pathways to Senior Social Worker level.
Flexible working: flexi-time, job share, part-time hours, and hybrid options.
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
Payment of Social Work England registration fees.
“Pick Your Perks” benefits portal offering discounts on retail, health, leisure and travel.
31 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.

Interested?

Contact Josh Da Costa at Sheldon Phillips on 01635 226350 or 07513 834554, or email jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com to discuss this role in more detail.

Referral Bonus: Know someone perfect for the role? We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.

Apply Today