We are seeking an Advanced Social Work Practitioner to join our Children Looked After team covering Exeter and East Devon. This is a key role focused on strengthening practice, guiding colleagues, and improving outcomes for children and young people in our care.
Working in partnership with the Team Manager, you will be confident in providing effective leadership and supervision to your team. You’ll support the day-to-day running of the service, helping to ensure high-quality, responsive support for children and families across Devon. This is a dynamic, hands-on role where you’ll manage a smaller, more complex caseload, undertaking detailed assessments and working closely with children and young people with diverse and challenging needs. Through mentoring and supervision, you’ll share your expertise to support colleagues and students, helping to drive continuous improvement and best practice across the team.
Skills and Experience
Our Advanced Social Workers provide a lead social work role within each of our teams, supporting the development of good evidence-based practice. With substantial post-qualifying experience and the ability to demonstrate that you’re working in line with the BASW PCF framework, you will:
1. Demonstrate the ability to work holistically with families, supporting children with complex needs within a multi-agency environment
2. Have evidence of substantial post-qualifying training and development
3. Be able to lead improvement and challenge the quality of social care practice in a constructive manner
4. You will also need to either be a Practice Educator or willing to undertake the relevant training at the earliest opportunity
5. Champion high standards of professional social work practice
6. Encourage and support opportunities for reflection and learning, delivering on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring to unqualified/alternatively qualified staff, students, and less experienced social workers
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to progress in their social work career. Children Looked After is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding environment where you will see first-hand, the positive impact our dedicated teams have on the future of Children and Young People in Devon.
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
To find out more about working in our Exeter & East Children Looked After team or for further information on the role, please contact Team Manager Chloe Gouldson () for a for a friendly, informal chat.
The closing date for this vacancy is 1 February 2026. Please be advised that interviews will take place throughout this campaign so apply as soon as able 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).
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: 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:
7. Generous annual leave, & the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
8. Free onsite parking.
9. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
10. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
11. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
12. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
13. Cycle to work scheme.
14. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Additional Information
15. 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 .
16. The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
17. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
18. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
19. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
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