Children's Social Worker - Children Looked After

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most – Children Looked After

We’re looking for an Experienced Social Worker who’s passionate about making a real difference to join our dedicated and supportive Children Looked After (CLA) Team covering South & West Devon.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: home is where children thrive best. For many, that means staying connected to their families, communities and local support networks. Where long-term care is needed, we act early and decisively — securing stability and permanence from day one.

Our experienced CLA team champions restorative practice and strong relationship-based approaches, helping children build and sustain lifelong connections — strengthening not just their present, but their future.

As an Experienced Social Worker, you’ll be supported every step of the way by a practice-focused, knowledgeable and highly experienced management team, committed to helping you grow, develop and thrive in your role.

Leading by Example, You Will:

• Model high standards of professional practice
• Manage a varied caseload, focused on long-term positive change
• Deliver high-quality assessments that shape children’s futures
• Work collaboratively across agencies to achieve the best outcomes

This is your chance to be part of something meaningful — changing lives, building futures, and helping create brighter outcomes for Devon’s Children in Care.

About You

This is a fast-paced, high-impact role where your creativity, resilience and compassion will drive meaningful, lasting change.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and SWE registration
• Completion of your ASYE
• Experience working in multi-agency and court settings
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A sound understanding of children’s social work legislation and theory
• A genuine commitment to putting children at the heart of everything you do

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

To find out more about working in our Children Looked After Team (South & West), or for an informal chat, please contact Hayley Mason, Team Managerhayley.mason@devon.gov.uk

Closing date:11October 2026
We encourage early applications — this vacancy may close sooner if we receive a high volume of interest.

This role is currently eligible for a £2,000 retention payment per annum (pro rata, T&Cs apply).

We welcome applications from internationally trained professionals already based in the UK - ponsorship is available for the right candidates.

Working at Devon County Council

In return for the vital contribution you’ll make, we offer a fantastic 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

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.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.

This role requires:

• Confidence and fluency in spoken English
• A suitable DBS disclosure
• A Full Uk driving Licence and access to a vehicle

For more information, please visit our Working for Devon page.

REQ010568 – Children’s Social Care