Senior Social Worker - Response Team

How you’ll make a difference

Our social workers make a real difference. Every day, they work with families to help children and young people who have had a difficult start in life to achieve their ambitions. You will be listening to young people and putting them at the heart of all that we do. Working in partnership with families, you will equip them with the skills they need to ensure young people live in happy, healthy and safe homes.

Although this post is advertised as a full‑time position, we encourage and welcome applications from experienced social workers who may be seeking part‑time, job share or flexible working arrangements.

• We have a strong culture of giving staff the time, freedom and support to explore new and better ways of doing things, so we’re looking for individuals keen to use their creativity to deliver high quality, child‑centred practices, which ensure the best outcomes for children and families.
• The Response team sits within the Front Door of our Integrated Children’s Service. You will be assessing and managing risk where there is possible, or actual, significant harm to children to ensure that children are kept safe and protected from abuse.
• Regularly, you will undertake statutory assessments of cases meeting the threshold for social care intervention, this includes child protection investigations.

• We require you to be a qualified social worker with relevant registration to practice (SWE registration) and a good understanding of asset and strengths‑based approaches to social work. In addition, you will have already successfully completed your ASYE (where qualifying since 2012).
• Ideally, you will be able to evidence significant skills, knowledge and experience to be able to assess and manage risk for the most vulnerable children in the community.
• You must be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding of successful strategies to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Given the elements of the role, you will be a problem solver, confident about making important decisions, underpinned by a genuine passion to work collaboratively with children, young people and families.
• You must demonstrate that you have experience of supervision or mentoring of social workers or support staff and substantial first‑hand experience in a relevant children’s social care team.
• You will be able to demonstrate wider strategic critical thinking and the ability to manage and advise on risk.

This role sits within an area currently undergoing a period of change due to the government‑led social care reform. As the sector evolves, some elements of the role may naturally develop too - offering opportunities to grow, adapt and be part of meaningful change. We’ll keep you fully informed throughout and make sure you feel supported, valued and confident as the updates arise.

It’s an exciting time to join us and help shape the future for our children and families.

• This role is currently based in the Badminton Road, Yate office.
• Although this post is advertised as a full‑time position, we encourage and welcome applications from experienced social workers who may be seeking part‑time, job share or flexible working arrangements.
• Please note that due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained.
• You will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area so you must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle insured for business use or have an alternative suitable means of travel.

Interviews are anticipated to be held week commencing 6th July 2026.

• As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts
  , including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities.
• We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted…