Social Worker – Next Steps Team (Children in Care)

About the role

Join Durham County Council’s Next Steps Team as a dedicated Social Worker supporting 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds transitioning out of care. You will help young people shape their futures, co‑design a new Super Hub and ensure smooth moves from residential care to supported accommodation.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a focused caseload of 16‑17‑year‑olds, delivering personalised transition plans.
• Collaborate with residential providers, housing teams, education partners and external agencies.
• Champion the voice of each young person, integrating their feedback into assessments and service design.
• Support the development of the Super Hub, ensuring services such as learning, employment and housing are co‑produced with service users.
• Provide reflective practice, group supervision and participate in team development days to manage workload and prevent burnout.

Required profile

• Social Work England‑registered Social Worker.
• Experience working in Children in Care or Leaving Care services.
• Passion for working with teenagers and understanding the unique challenges of the 16‑17 age bracket.
• Proactive, collaborative and able to thrive in a multi‑agency environment.

Required skills

What we offer

• Full‑time contract (37 hours per week) at £32.73 per hour.
• Opportunity to shape a brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art Super Hub.
• Manageable caseloads with strong reflective practice and supervision.
• Professional development and team development days.