Advanced Social Worker - Children & Families (Exeter & East)
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £46,579 - £50,908 per annum
We’re looking for experienced and passionate Social Workers to join our team in Devon.
Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to children and families, eligible new starters can receive a Welcome Payment of £5,000 and an annual Retention Payment of £2,000.
About Us
Join our Children & Families Service and help make a lasting difference to children, young people and families across Devon. You will work in a demanding but highly rewarding environment, supporting children in need, safeguarding those at risk, and contributing to legal proceedings and care arrangements. Using restorative practice, we build strong partnerships with families, recognise their strengths and work together to create safer, healthier and happier futures.
Based at County Hall, our Exeter Team is within easy reach of the city centre and benefits from free on-site parking, excellent transport connections and a friendly on-site café. Beyond work, Exeter combines the character of a historic cathedral city with vibrant shopping, dining and cultural attractions.
About the Role
As an Advanced Social Worker, you will combine complex casework with practice leadership. You will manage a smaller, more complex caseload, model excellent statutory practice and champion restorative, collaborative ways of working. You will also provide hands-on training, coaching and mentoring to students and unqualified workers, helping colleagues build confidence, strengthen their skills and continually improve practice. Your expertise, reflection and guidance will help achieve the best possible outcomes for children, young people and their families.
About You
You will bring substantial post-qualifying experience of working with children and families, together with the expertise and approach needed to support and inspire colleagues. Working in line with the BASW PCF framework, you will demonstrate:
- Strong working knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work.
- Exceptional recording and planning skills, along with a high level of written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
- Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
- A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
Why join us?
We offer a strong package of benefits that recognises your contribution and supports your career and wellbeing:
- £5,000 Welcome payment. A valuable boost as you begin your career with us.
- £2,000 Retention payment per annum pro rata.
- Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
- Free onsite parking.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities through our Social Work Academy.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need support & a variety of employee well-being services.
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible.
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
For more information about Working for Devon County Council please visit our Working for Devon page.
We welcome applications from internationally trained and qualified candidates who are now residing in the UK and interested in joining our team.
Thinking of relocating? Subject to qualifying conditions, you may also be eligible for a generous relocation allowance to help you make Devon your home.
For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contact Emma Youngs on 01392 383000, or email emma.youngs@devon.gov.uk
Ready to make a difference? Apply by 15th November 2026.
Interviews will take place throughout the campaign, so we encourage you to apply early. The advert may close before the published date if we receive sufficient applications.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description
Additional Information
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
REQ010669 – Children’s Social Care