We are currently looking for dynamic and experienced individuals to join our Children & Families Service as Advanced Social Workers.
Our Children & Families service is responsible for the management of child-in-need and child protection cases, as well as cases in legal proceedings and looked after children. It is a challenging and rewarding environment where we use restorative practice to achieve positive long-term and sustainable outcomes for all.
Working closely alongside children and their families in three main localities (Mid & North Devon, Exeter & East Devon and South & West Devon), our main goal is to build happier, healthier and safer environments for children and young people across the county. To achieve this we work at developing supportive partnerships that encourage and empower children and families to unlock their individual strengths and values, ensuring that children are at the centre of everything we do.
About the Role
Advanced Social Workers provide an important role within each of our teams. Not only do they hold smaller, more complex caseloads, they use their substantial post-qualifying experience to model social work practice that is of a high standard, in line with statutory obligations.
Our Advanced Social Workers deliver on the job coaching and mentoring to students, unqualified staff, and less experienced colleagues to help in the development of skills and improvement of practice standards.
Working closely with the Team Manager, they encourage a collaborative culture where opportunities for reflection and learning are encouraged, enabling us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children, young people, and their families.
About You
To be part of this fantastic opportunity, you will have substantial post qualifying experience with children and families alongside the expertise to effectively support and mentor your colleagues. You will need to be working in line with the BASW PCF framework, your skills and experience will include:
1. Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment.
2. Strong working knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work.
3. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals.
4. Exceptional recording and planning skills, along with a high level of written and verbal communication skills.
5. You will need to either be a Practice Educator, or willing to undertake the relevant training at the earliest opportunity.
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
To find out more about working in our Children & Families Service or for further information on the role, please contact the following Service Managers for a friendly, informal chat:
Exeter & East: Emma Youngs
North & Mid: Curtis King -
South & West: Andrew Hollingworth -
The closing date for this vacancy is 22 February 2026. Please be advised that interviews will take place throughout this recruitment campaign so apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as the vacancy may close early.
This role is currently eligible for a retention payment of £2,000 per annum pro rata (terms & conditions apply). In addition to this, we are now offering a £5,000 Welcome Payment to eligible new permanent staff joining the North and Mid Devon locality. Payment will be received in full in your first or second salary of joining us.
We are proud to welcome applications from internationally trained and qualified professionals who are now based in the UK and eager to bring their expertise to our team. For the right candidates, we can offer visa sponsorship to support your journey.
Working at Devon County Council
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
6. Generous annual leave, & the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
7. Free onsite parking.
8. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
9. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
10. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
11. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
12. Cycle to work scheme.
13. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Additional Information
14. 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 .
15. The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
16. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
17. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
18. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
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