Staff are attracted to working in Darlington because of the benefits of the relational practice model and the positive workforce culture. Workers in Darlington are extremely committed to the local authority and feel valued by senior leaders. Social workers we spoke to describe an environment where they feel confident and supported by their managers to make decisions, and are cared about and supported by them.
There is a strong focus on ensuring that workers have access to a range of good‑quality and up‑to‑date training and development opportunities. Training has informed and enhanced the quality of relational social work practice.
Strengthening Families – Family Valued Programme
* Support the Council to safely and appropriately reduce the need for children and young people to enter the looked after system
* Create the conditions for good social work practice by supporting the development of a borough‑wide culture and ethos of restorative and relational working
* Improve the effectiveness of Local Authority Children Services
Role
We are seeking enthusiastic, driven and motivated individuals who want to be part of our vision. You will be instrumental in creating an environment that supports and enables relational practice, building local capacity, relationships and skills, and innovation. If you are an enthusiastic and dynamic Social Worker, either experienced or newly qualified, who brings passion and commitment to achieving the best for the most vulnerable families and have experience in Children Statutory Safeguarding Services either as a Social Worker or Social Work student, we would like to hear from you.
You will benefit from working in a compact borough where managing a caseload is not hindered by travel, giving you more time with children and families. You will have access to regular training, reflective supervision, and support from Senior Managers. Our commitment to professional development throughout all Children’s Service areas includes workforce‑led training with strong links to supervision, appraisal and audit, a refreshed progression model that optimises succession planning into management roles, and regular opportunities through a range of forums that focus on building resilience and well‑being. We are progressive and forward‑thinking, a modern and dynamic service that supports children to thrive.
Appointment and/or progression to Band 10/11 is subject to meeting DBC progression criteria. This post is eligible for a Social Worker Recruitment and Retention payment paid annually for up to 3 years to Social Workers with a minimum of one year post‑qualifying experience in a Social Worker role who have successfully completed their ASYE programme (if applicable). The payment is currently £2,500 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time hours, reviewed annually).
Additional benefits of working for Darlington Council include:
* 32 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro‑rata for part‑time working)
* Generous Pension Scheme
* Flexi‑time scheme
* Generous schemes for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave
* Green Car Leasing Scheme
* Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
* Physiotherapy service
* Free confidential counselling service
* Great wellbeing offer
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
* Arriva Employee Travel Club
For our full range of benefits, please see our Total Reward Booklet (https://www.darlington.gov.uk/media/17398/totalreward-booklet.pdf).
The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List check and re‑checking from time to time in line with the Council policy. The Council does not currently offer sponsorship for these posts.
#J-18808-Ljbffr