Job Title
Qualified Social Worker — Children Looked After & Resources (CLAR)
Employer
Merseyside Local Authority
Location
Merseyside, United Kingdom
Position
Permanent position
Salary
Up to £44,093 per annum
About The Role
As a Social Worker within CLAR, you will:
* Manage a caseload of children and young people who are looked after
* Undertake statutory visits, care planning and reviews in line with legislation
* Work closely with foster carers, residential providers and partner agencies
* Contribute to permanence planning, including long‑term fostering, reunification and adoption
* Ensure children’s wishes and feelings are central to all decision‑making
* Maintain high standards of recording, assessment and care planning
* Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to achieve positive outcomes
About You
To be considered, you must:
* Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
* Have a minimum of 2.5 years post‑qualification experience, specifically relevant to Children Looked After or statutory children services
* Demonstrate strong assessment, care planning and relationship‑based practice skills
* Be confident working autonomously while contributing positively to a team environment
* Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Benefits Offer
* Financial: competitive salary up to £44,093, with annual incremental progression; nationally negotiated annual pay awards; financial wellbeing support, including affordable borrowing; 24‑hour financial advice via the Employee Assistance Programme; car mileage payments; free car parking; salary sacrifice schemes for hybrid and electric vehicle leasing and home goods and electricals; access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS); pension contributions typically 1420%; ill health and death‑in‑service benefits
* Work‑life balance: 36‑hour full‑time working week; generous annual leave entitlement—up to 30 days plus public holidays, increasing to 36 days with long service, plus two additional concessionary days over the festive period; option to buy additional annual leave; flexible and hybrid working arrangements; cycle‑to‑work and active travel schemes; 24/7 access to health and wellbeing support, including qualified counsellors; occupational health services and workplace adjustments; free flu jabs and eye tests; health programmes such as weight management and smoking cessation; strong trade union representation
* Discounts and savings: lifestyle discounts across high street retailers, dining, cinema, holidays, health, fitness and beauty; discounted gym memberships; reduced‑cost travel passes; mobile phone provider discounts
* Family and carer support: enhanced maternity pay; paternity leave and shared parental leave; emergency unpaid leave provisions; family‑friendly policies supporting adoption, fostering, fertility treatment, caregiving; carer passports to help balance work and caring commitments
* Learning and development: comprehensive induction programme; funded apprenticeships and qualifications; ongoing learning and professional development opportunities; opportunities to move across services and progress your career within the authority
Why Join Us?
You’ll join a forward‑thinking local authority that values its workforce, prioritises staff wellbeing, and is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and families.
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