Social Worker

Closing date: 8 September 2026

Salary: £37,280 - £41,771 per annum.

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent

Role Purpose

We’re looking for a passionate, qualified social worker to join our Kinship team, where you will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.

You’ll be working with families and colleagues to ensure the safeguarding and welfare of children throughout our communities. You’ll be responsible for assessing needs, planning interventions and delivering support to those in need. You will be working collaboratively with  multi agency partnerships and other Qualified Social Workers, working in accordance with Social Care England’s professional standards.

Your role will enable children and young people to thrive in safe, stable and nurturing environments. You will have the opportunity to genuinely connect with the wonderful young people in our care and see the positive impact your work makes on their lives.

Key responsibilities

• Make ongoing assessments of allocated cases.
• Responsible for a caseload of varying complexity.
• Conduct risk assessments to ensure children and young people are protected.
• Deliver evidence based interventions in response to identified needs.
• Undertake statutory and best practice reviews, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

What you’ll bring

• Recognised social care qualification, and registration with Social Care England.
• Relevant multi-disciplinary social care experience.
• Evidence of partnership working with other agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of social care practice as defined by Social Care England guidelines.
• Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).

About the team

As a county wide service the Kinship Post Support Team supports all children living in kinship arrangements, regardless of their legal status. Kinship Carers play a crucial role in helping children who cannot live with their parents to stay within their known networks. As a senior social work assistant it is their role to signpost, share and deliver support, complete assessments and reviews as well as deliver training, make applications for ASGSF funding and financial assessments/reviews to assist in maintaining a child’s permanence within their family alongside our team of dedicated social workers.

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 generous 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/

Additional information

• 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
• The working location of this role will be subject to the successful candidate and where they live.
• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• Interview dates are planned for 15/09/2026.

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 chat about the role, you can contact Emma Martin – Team Manager Kinship, via email at emma.martin@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:  AG0608 Social Worker 2025.pdf 

Job ref: 1288/DT