Children's Social Worker - Assessment (South & West)

Our Assessment & Intervention Team in South & West Devon is looking for passionate Social Workers to help children and families achieve lasting, positive change.About the RoleAs a Social Worker within the Assessment and Intervention Service, you will be part of a skilled and supportive team providing good quality assessments of children to determine the level of intervention required.
Working collaboratively with local partners and communities, you'll identify needs early and provide timely and effective support to help children to thrive within their families and communities.Due to the varied caseload, competency in the development of Child Protection, Child In Need and Early Help plans for children is essential. On some occasions it may be necessary to undertake Court work, supporting a small number of children, who cannot remain at home, to come into Local Authority care.

This role is based at Follaton House in Totnes and is eligible for an annual Retention payment of £2,000.

About You

Advocating for the children and young people of South and West Devon, you will have a creative and flexible approach to work, promoting positive long-term change and ensuring permanence from the outset. You will understand the need and importance for regular purposeful visits. You will model high standards of professional social work practice and will be used to working at pace, within a high pressure environment.

Skills and Experience

• Post-qualifying experience of working within children and families
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
• The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
• Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
• A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
• A high-level of written and verbal communication skills

Click here to see the Job Description

Working in Children's Social Care at Devon County Council

Situated about a mile from the main town centre of Totnes, the Assessment & Intervention team (South & West) is based at Follaton House. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.

We offer some fantastic employee benefits, including:

• A £5,000 Welcome Payment for eligible new permanent staff (see further information below)
• Retention payment of £2,000 per annum pro rata.
• Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance and well-being services for the times you may need some support
• Promotion of a healthy work-life balance and flexible working
• options where possible
• A benefits platform that offers discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
  

Sponsorship Opportunities: We welcome applications from internationally trained and qualified candidates who are now residing in the UK and interested in joining our team.

Relocation Payment: If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance. There has never been a better time to make the move!

To find out more about working in Assessment & Intervention or for further information on the roles available, please contact Service Manager Jean Beynon - jean.beynon@devon.gov.uk.

Applications close on 8 November 2026. Interviews will be conducted at various stages of our recruitment campaign. We strongly encourage you to submit your application early to avoid disappointment as it is possible that the advert may close early.

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.

Additional Information

• Devon County Council is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• Personal data will be processed in line with our Applicant privacy notice.
• 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
  

This role requires:

• A suitable DBS check.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Confidence and fluency in spoken English.

REQ010676 - Children's Social Care