Children's Social Worker - Children's Social Care

We’re looking for Experienced Social Workers who are passionate about improving the lives of children and families across South & West Devon.

Our Children & Families Service offers a dynamic, supportive environment where you can make a real and lasting difference to some of the most vulnerable children and their families.

Based at Follaton House in Totnes, we use restorative practice to support and safeguard children in need. Through effective management of legal proceedings and care arrangements, our skilled and experienced teams work in partnership with children and their families — building strong, trusting relationships and identifying strengths to achieve long-term positive outcomes.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creating safer, healthier and happier lives for children and young people across Devon.

About the Role

As a Social Worker within our Children & Families Service, you’ll work in partnership with families and professionals —empowering children and their carers to achieve positive change.

You will be skilled in:

• Modelling high standards of professional practice in a fast-paced, high-impact environment
• Managing a varied and challenging caseload, thinking creatively to achieve the best outcomes
• Working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to drive long-term, sustainable change
• Delivering high-quality assessments that support improved outcomes for children and families

Your expertise, creativity and commitment will play a key role in shaping brighter futures for those we support.

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

Skills and Experience

• A strong understanding of legislation, models and theories relevant to children’s social work
• The ability to build effective, trusted relationships with children, families and professionals
• Experience in multi-agency and court environments
• A recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration
• Completion of your ASYE
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

If you’re looking for a role where you can truly make a difference and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you. To find out more about working in our Children & Families Service (South & West), or for an informal chat, please contact Andrew Hollingworth, Service Managerandrew.hollingworth@devon.gov.uk

Closing date:31 August 2026
We encourage early applications — this vacancy may close sooner if we receive a high volume of interest.

We welcome applications from internationally trained professionals already based in the UK. We can offer sponsorship 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.

REQ009790 – Children’s Social Care