Assessment Social Worker - Taunton & West Somerset Area

Why should I choose Somerset County Council?

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our Taunton team within assessment and Safeguarding teams. The Key purpose of the role is to improve the outcomes for our most vulnerable young people and families in Somerset to encourage positive change. 

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, along with a very supportive management team

What will I be doing?

• Make on-going assessments of allocated cases to reflect individual circumstances including assessment of risk, and the need to ensure that children are protected from significant harm.
• Responsible for a caseload of varying complexity, commensurate with experience, ability and qualification; receive and respond to referrals from various sources.
• Assess the needs of children and facilities under the appropriate statutory frameworks.
• Enable individual’s families and carers to address issues which affect their health, financial, emotional and social wellbeing.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be passionate about relationship-based social work, proud of your profession, and able to reflect and think creatively about how you can build relationships to make a difference to children and families.

You will need to be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England and have substantial experience working with children and families in social work. 

What will I be offered in return?

We provide a range of benefits to reward and thank our Social Workers for the amazing work that they do. Click to see the full list of what we can offer you

• 29 days annual leave and flexible working options
• Local Government pension scheme
• Optional pension enhancement through our additional voluntary contribution scheme
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services to support a healthy work/life balance and lifestyle
• A flexible benefits platform including cycle to work and health screening schemes
• ‘My staff shop’ which offers excellent discounts at a variety of retailers including; cinemas, restaurants, clothing stores and insurance providers
• Gym discounts
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Generous relocation allowance
• Work within a designated Assessment team
• Experience working with the Family Safeguarding model – an established multi agency team working with families within Children Social Care
• The opportunity to grow and develop as a practitioner in a safe and supported environment within a stable management team.

Anything else I should know?

The team for the west of the county are based in County Hall in Taunton, although we are very open to flexible working options. You will hold a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle as travel is required.

Due to the importance of the role we recommend applying as soon as possible. Depending on the level of response, we anticipate conducting interviews ahead of the closing date. 

For an informal chat about roles within our assessment team please contact Cathy Jones Cathy.Jones@somerset.gov.uk.

Salary £32,909 to £37,261 per annum

From 1 April 2023 the County and District councils in Somerset will be replaced by a new single unitary authority – Somerset Council. It’s a genuinely exciting time to join us as we work together with the four district councils to deliver the new council for Somerset.

DBS information

In this role you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.