We are looking for an Experienced Social Workers with a passion for making positive changes to join our Children Looked After (CLA) Teams in South & West, Exeter & East and North & Mid Devon.
We believe that home is where the heart is - and for most children, that means staying with their families, supported by strong, local networks and place-based support. When long-term care is needed, we work hard to deliver permanence from day one, our dedicated CLA team implement restorative practice and relational ways of working, to support children in building lifelong connections with their families and communities.
We currently have the following roles available - Please state on your application the locality you are interested in:
1. Exeter & East - Full-time opportunities 37 hours per week and 1 x Part-time hours fte)
2. North & Mid - Full-time opportunities
3. South & West - Full-time opportunities
About the Role
As an Experienced Social Worker within Children Looked After you will be supported by a stable, knowledgeable and experienced management team.
Leading by example you will
4. Model high standards of professional working
5. Handle a varied caseload with a focus on long-term positive change
6. Deliver high-quality assessments that shape children’s futures
7. Work collaboratively across agencies to ensure the best outcomes
This is your chance to be part of something meaningful - to change lives, build futures, and help develop a brighter tomorrow for Devon’s Children in Care.
Please visit our Promise to Children in Care page. It offers a clear and heartfelt insight into who we are and what we stand for as corporate parents, and outlines what our children want from you!
About You
This is a fast-paced, high-impact role where your creativity, resilience, and compassion will help promote long-term, positive change.
Driven by purpose, your skills and experience will include:
8. A recognised social work qualification & SWE registration
9. Completion of your ASYE
10. Experience in multi-agency and court settings
11. Strong communication and relationship-building skills
12. A deep understanding of children’s social work legislation and theory
13. A commitment to putting children at the heart of everything you do
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
To find out more about working in our Children Looked After team or for further information on the role, please contact the following Service Manager for a for a friendly, informal chat:
Exeter & East - Danielle Arrowsmith -
North & Mid - Sarah Isaac-Brown -
South & West – Elliot Davis -
The closing date for this vacancy is 25 January 2026. Apply early to avoid disappointment - the vacancy may close before this date if a sufficient number of applications are submitted.
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 (pro rata for part-time staff and subject to standard deductions).
Please Note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.
Working at Devon County Council
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
14. Generous annual leave, & the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
15. Free onsite parking.
16. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
17. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
18. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
19. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
20. Cycle to work scheme.
21. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Additional Information
22. 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 .
23. The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
24. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
25. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
26. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
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