Overview
Herefordshire Council
About The Role
Job Title: Children’s Social Worker – Children in Care. Salary: HC8 £36,363 - £40,777 (plus £5,000 market rate supplement per year £41,363 - £45,777). Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance). Contract: Permanent. Hours: 37. Location: Multiple locations – Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Hereford. Relocation package of up to £10,000 available. Closing date: 31/05/2026.
Introduction: Our Children in Care service is made up of three teams. Each team comprises a Team Manager, Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and Family Support Workers. We are proud of our restorative approach to social work – a way of working that is firmly embedded in our team culture and management style. Collaboration and reflection are at the heart of how we practice: senior managers are always available for guidance and support, especially when navigating complex cases.
Video: Curious about what it’s really like to be a Social Worker with us? This short video gives you a glimpse into the heart of our service and shows why Herefordshire Council could be the perfect place for your next career move. https://youtu.be/FSjU-FV5uic
The Role
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to reach their full potential? We are looking for dedicated and skilled Social Workers to join our Children in Care Service. In this role you will work closely with children and young people who are looked after, as well as their families, carers, and networks. You’ll build positive, trusting relationships and ensure every child has a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where they can thrive. You will be a consistent and reliable presence in each child’s life, supporting their emotional wellbeing, education, and future plans, whether that means returning home, staying in care, or preparing for independence. We are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people through an inclusive and collaborative approach, listening to each child’s voice and working with families, foster carers, and professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes. Herefordshire is on a journey of improvement, and we’d love you to be part of our story.
About You
We are looking for Social Workers who are:
* Passionate about promoting the wellbeing, safety, and stability of children and young people in care
* Skilled in assessment, care planning, and supporting positive outcomes for children, families, and carers
* Committed to working collaboratively with children, families, foster carers, and professionals to ensure every child’s voice is heard
* Resilient and reflective, with the confidence to make balanced decisions in complex situations
* Able to thrive within a supportive, relationship-based team that values learning, creativity, and shared responsibility
* Registered with Social Work England and hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)
To arrange an informal discussion, or ask any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk.
We Offer
A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
* Salary range of £36,363 - £40,777 per annum
* Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum
* Welcome Payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
* Retention payment: £2,000 - £4,000 depending on team
* Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
* Professional development: protected time and budget to develop yourself and your career
* Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Career progression: clear pathways to progress
* Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
* Flexible working: including potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working
* Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
* Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
* Perks: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits with savings, cash back and discounts
Why Choose Us
We are excited to share our recruitment video and describe Herefordshire’s people, places and purpose. Herefordshire Council values its people, supports growth, and collaborates to improve outcomes for communities. The Council is committed to safeguarding and to building strong relationships with children, families and partners.
Herefordshire Council Plan
The Council plan sets out how we will contribute to a better Herefordshire. For more information, see Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-2028.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email. If shortlisted for interview, our Children & Young People Recruitment Team will support you.
Creating an Inclusive Workplace
We encourage employees to use their voices to embrace diversity and inclusivity. We have eight employee network groups and a commitment to listen to people’s views. For information on our Employee Network Groups, please view the recruitment website: spiritofherefordshire.com.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post:
* Those who indicate that they have a disability (Disability Confident scheme)
* Those who indicate they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist (Armed Forces Covenant)
* Those who indicate they are a Herefordshire care leaver
We take safeguarding seriously. If offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check and other pre-employment checks.
How To Apply
To apply, upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities. Include reference to the job description and person specification. If shortlisted, the C&YP Recruitment Team will contact you by email to arrange interview and/or assessment. Please check your email (including spam/junk) for updates.
Important Note on Sponsorship
The council is currently unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Social Worker roles in Children & Young People. Overseas candidates requiring sponsorship should not apply. A full list of current vacancies is available at spiritofherefordshire.com/children-young-people/jobs. Sponsorship Available (UK Only): We can provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for successful candidates who are already living in the UK with at least two years’ UK-based experience in the relevant team or discipline.
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