Make a Real Difference Where It Matters Most – Join Us as a Children’s Social Worker in Devon
About the Service
At Devon County Council, we believe every child deserves a safe, happy, healthy, and fulfilled childhood. We’re building a future where every child, every family, and every community can thrive—supported by fairness, opportunity, and resilience.
We’re on an ambitious journey of cultural transformation, embedding and relational ways of working into every aspect of our service. We believe that, for most children, the best place to grow up is within their family. That’s why we offer high support alongside high challenge, working collaboratively to keep Devon’s children safe and families strong.
Children’s needs are at the heart of everything we do—and we’re looking for passionate, dedicated professionals who share our commitment to making a lasting difference.
As a Social Worker, you’ll be at the forefront of this change—empowering families, protecting children, and helping shape brighter futures.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker who has successfully completed their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and is ready to take the next step in their career. Our Social Worker role is aligned with the national —a structure adopted by all local authorities to standardise professional capabilities and support clear, achievable career progression.
This role offers a clear pathway for progression, with opportunities to advance to the Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) level.
About You
You’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families through high-quality, evidence-informed assessments and interventions.
You bring sound judgement, compassion, and confidence to your practice —using evidence-based tools to assess risk and develop strengths-based plans that support positive outcomes. You advocate for children and young people, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered.
You build strong, person-centred relationships with families, carers, and professionals, working collaboratively to create sustainable change.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
1. A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
2. Experience in children’s social care, including multi-agency working and the family court system
3. Strong relationship-building skills with children, families, and partner agencies
4. A good understanding of relevant legislation, frameworks, models, and theories that underpin effective social work practice
What we can offer you
We value the vital contribution our social workers make and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
5. £2,000 retention payment per annum (pro rata)
6. Generous annual leave: 26 days plus Bank Holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years’ service, with the option to purchase additional leave
7. Excellent support and reflective supervision
8. Flexible working arrangements (subject to role requirements)
9. Access to ongoing learning and development through our Social Work Academy
10. Employee Assistance Programme and a range of wellbeing services
11. Discounts at over 900 national and local retailers via our benefits platform
12. Free onsite parking, modern on-site amenities, and flexible hot-desking options available.
13. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
14. Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
If you're currently living, working, or studying in the UK and considering relocating to Devon, relocation support of up to £8,000 may be available—subject to qualifying criteria and exceptional circumstances.
Additional Information
15. This role requires a DBS disclosure.
16. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
17. 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 .
18. The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Interested?