Academy Educator

Salary: Grade 11, Ranging from £32,597 - £36,363 per annum

Contract: Permanent.

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Closing date: 30th August 2026

Interviews: 7th September 2026.

About the Role 

Make a lasting difference to children and families across Somerset.

Lead and shape inspiring learning and development programmes that strengthen practice across Children's Social Care, Early Help, Fostering, Kinship and partner organisations. You'll play a key role in driving excellent practice, embedding trauma-informed approaches, and supporting the transformational Family First Partnership Programme—helping to ensure children, young people and families receive the very best support.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence workforce development, champion continuous learning, and make a real impact on outcomes for children and families across our communities.

How You'll Make a Difference 

• Lead the development and delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed learning and development programmes for Children’s Social Care and partner agencies, working closely with senior leaders to identify workforce needs and create impactful learning opportunities.
• Design and oversee a diverse programme of training courses, conferences, CPD events and learning resources, ensuring content reflects the latest research, legislation, policy and best practice.
• Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness, quality assure provision, report on outcomes, and promote a culture of continuous professional development and service improvement.
• Build strong partnerships locally, regionally and nationally to share learning, develop collaborative training opportunities, and support workforce excellence across the children’s services sector.
• Create engaging learning resources, including e-learning, guidance, presentations and events, while contributing to professional qualifications such as the Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare.

What You'll Bring 

• A relevant Social Work or professional qualification, with at least 3 years’ experience in Children’s Social Care.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed, systemic, anti-discriminatory, safeguarding and child protection practice.
• Experience designing and delivering engaging training, workshops and e-learning.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Children’s Social Care legislation, policy and best practice.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confidence using digital tools, including Microsoft Office, Teams and learning platforms.
• A compassionate, sensitive approach when working with those affected by trauma.

Why Join Us? 

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life. 

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave. 

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes. 

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow. 

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services. 

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work. 

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: 
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/ 

Further Information 

• 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• Flexible working available, using a Hybrid model – working from home and your contracted work base.
• Based in Taunton, Somerset.
• Interviews to take place on 7th September 2026.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.  

For an informal discussion about the role, Corrina Bryant, Deputy Principal Social Worker at corrina.bryant@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset. 

You can find a copy of the job description here:  TR0301 Academy Educator.pdf