Advanced Social Worker Disabled Children’s Service (Mid and East Devon)

£46,579–£50,908 per annum (Grade H)
PLUS an additional £2,000 retention payment

Ready to share your experience and help shape excellent social work practice? Join our Disabled Children’s Service in Mid & East Devon as an Advanced Social Worker. You’ll combine work with children and families with opportunities to mentor colleagues, guide complex decisions and make a lasting difference.

About Us

We work with disabled children, young people and their families to understand what matters to them and provide specialist support. Our work spans the full range of statutory social work responsibilities, from assessments, child in need and child protection to children in care and the transition to adulthood. You will work closely with colleagues across health, education, care and community services, bringing together the right support for each child and family. Together, we help children and young people build on their strengths and reach their full potential.

If you’re passionate about working alongside disabled children and their families, this is an opportunity to bring your skills to a supportive team that shares your commitment to making a meaningful difference.

About the Role

As an Advanced Social Worker, you will take a lead role in developing high-quality, evidence-based practice. You will provide professional supervision, coaching and mentoring, helping colleagues build confidence and develop their skills. You will undertake and co-work complex cases, supporting robust assessments, risk management and court work. Alongside the Team Manager, you’ll help with day-to-day operational issues, contribute to audits and service improvements, and chair practice-based meetings or deputise when required.

This is an opportunity to stay close to direct practice while developing others, encouraging reflection and sharing learning across the service.

About You

You will have substantial post qualifying experience and be a strong advocate for Devon’s children and young people, working creatively and flexibly to help them reach their full potential. You will bring:

• Substantial experience, including complex statutory casework, multi-agency working and court work.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and practice, with sound professional judgement and a commitment to working alongside children and families.
• Skills in supervision, coaching and mentoring, with experience of supporting colleagues’ learning and improving practice.
• A recognised social work qualification, Social Work England registration and a Practice Educator Award, or willingness to undertake the training at the earliest opportunity.
• Strong communication and assessment skills, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
• The salary will be determined by qualifications, skills and experience. Please refer to the Advanced Social Worker job description and person specification for the full requirements of the role.

Working in Children’s Social Care at Devon County Council

In return for the skills and commitment you bring, you’ll have access to a range of benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase more
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Flexible working options, including hybrid working
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounts at 900+ retailers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

For more information about Working for Devon County Council please visit our Working for Devon page.

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

Interested in joining us? We’d love to hear from you. To find out more about the role please contact Cathy Eyres: cathy.eyres@devon.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 29th November 2026
Apply early to avoid disappointment as we may close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

We welcome applications from internationally trained professionals currently living in the UK. Sponsorship can be offered to the right candidate to support your journey.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

This role requires:

A suitable DBS check.

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Confidence and fluency in spoken English.

Additional Information

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.

REQ010829 - Children Social Care