Social Worker - Children in Care

Salary: Newly Qualified £39,513 to £43,693, Qualified £44,711 to £47,754 a yearHours: 37 hours per weekContract Type: PermanentLocation: Shot TowerDBS Requirement: Yes - EnhancedClosing Date: 04/10/2026 Derby City Council is committed to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. We are proud of our Ofsted judgement of Outstanding. In Derby we aren’t complacent about this and recognise that our workforce is key to delivering a good service. We operate a Strength Based Practice Model. We are committed to listening to the voice of our children, our approach to this is My Life My Journey. This means that we listen to and consider children’s views from the point of contact through to permanency. In Derby we respect culture and heritage, we have embedded our Heritage Pledge, the aim of which is to value children and their families as individual’s and respect their culture, religion, and identity. Our workforce understands the needs of children and are skilful in identifying risk and considering the impact on the individual child. We want like minded Social Workers to join our workforce and become part of Derby’s journey. If Derby sounds like a place you’d like to work, please apply. You will be part of a supportive team, have access to regular supervision, peer support and continuing professional development. If you are newly qualified, you will have development opportunities during your ASYE and further opportunities to develop as an experienced Social Worker. We would like social workers to apply who are committed to advocating on behalf of and will help our children and young people achieve good outcomes. Our social workers will be expected to contribute to effective care planning, including pathway planning with our children and young people, across a variety of placements. The Children in Care service work with children and young people whose Care Plan has been agreed or ratified as being one of remaining in our care, up to their 18th birthday. We work closely with a range of professionals, including health, education, leaving care, youth offending and adult social care colleagues. Children in Care social workers will meet statutory requirements which are in place to safeguard our children and young people, along with ensuring they have the best possible support to enable them to achieve their best outcomes. The Children in Care service is committed to ensuring our Corporate Parenting obligations are met along with our Pledge to Children in Care and Care Leavers. Derby has a vibrant Children in Care Council. We expect that the voice of our children and young people is embedded into their care plans and taken into account when decisions are made which will affect them. If you’re interested and would want an informal conversation, please call Charlotte Meikle 01332 640 283 or Jacque Mullins Team Manager 01332 956 422 Who We AreAt Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do. Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference. Join us and you'll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby's future. Why join Derby City Council?At Derby City Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people. Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including: Financial Benefits• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover• Team Derby Rewards – discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme – a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle Work-Life Balance• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)• The option to purchase additional annual leave• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles• Flexible retirement options, where eligible• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities Learning and Development• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing Health and Wellbeing• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar•Free annual flu vaccinations• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training Community and Inclusion• Up to 1 hours of volunteering leave each year• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll be joining an inclusive organisation where you'll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service. How to applyIf you would like to apply for this vacancy, please submit an application via the Derby City Council website The closing date for this vacancy is specified at the top of the advert. Applications received after midnight on the closing date will not be accepted. Interviews 13th October 2026 at Derby City Council House.Interview location: The Council House If you would prefer to apply using your CV, please complete the attached Declaration Form and send it to charlotte.meikle@derby.gov.uk.Applications submitted by CV must include a completed Declaration Form to be accepted; this can be found at the bottom of the advert. We also encourage you to complete the attached Equalities Form and return it to recruitment.team@derby.gov.uk. This is optional and will not affect your application. Important InformationLinks to the full Job Description and Person Specification are available below. Before submitting your application, please read our guidance on filling in your application form and ensure your supporting statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification. All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the role. Where a DBS requirement is indicated at the top of this advert, the successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of our safer recruitment process. Where a Market Rate Supplement is indicated at the top of this advert, it is paid in addition to the basic salary and is subject to regular review. The supplement may be reduced or withdrawn and will reduce in line with incremental progression and pay awards. The Council has a legal obligation to consider suitable redeployment opportunities for employees at risk of redundancy. Consequently, this vacancy may be withdrawn before the advertised closing date if it is filled through the Council's redeployment process. Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we'll work with you to provide the support you need. If you have any questions about this vacancy or need assistance with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844) or email recruitmentteam@derby.gov.ukInterviews 13th October 2026 at Derby City Council House. Please click here for Job DescriptionPlease click here for Person SpecificationPlease see Declaration Form for CV Applications here
Please see Equalities Form for CV Applications here

Please see here for DBS Code of Conduct