Children's Social Worker – Families First

About the role

Our client, Somerset Council, is seeking two experienced Children’s Social Workers to join the Families First partnership programme. The role is a six‑month, full‑time, fixed‑term position focused on supporting children already subject to Child in Need plans and preventing further escalation by working intensively with families at an earlier stage.

Key responsibilities

• Work directly with children, parents and wider family networks to assess needs and develop tailored support plans.
• Collaborate with multi‑agency partners including education, police, health, substance‑misuse, domestic‑abuse and mental‑health specialists.
• Maintain manageable caseloads, ensuring timely interventions and regular review of child in need plans.
• Participate in reflective supervision and team meetings with permanent Team Managers, Consultant Social Workers and senior leadership.
• Contribute to the Family Safeguarding model by sharing best practice and supporting early‑help initiatives.

Required profile

• Qualified social worker with experience in children’s services, preferably within a family safeguarding or child in need context.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across agencies and build trusting relationships with families.
• Strong analytical and assessment skills, with a commitment to outcome‑focused practice.
• Resilience and reflective practice mindset to manage complex cases.

Required skills

• Knowledge of child protection legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
• Familiarity with multi‑agency working processes and referral pathways.
• Ability to produce clear, evidence‑based case records and reports.

What we offer

• Six‑month bespoke posts with the possibility of extension based on performance.
• Supportive supervision structure and access to specialist expertise (substance misuse, domestic abuse, mental health, child exploitation).
• Opportunity to be part of an innovative, relationship‑based service transformation in South West England.