Social Worker

C&YP Social Worker – Family Help Central Locality

Employer: Herefordshire Council
Location: Hereford, England
Salary: £37,563 – £42,123 per year
Market Rate Supplement: £5,000 annually
Total Salary: £42,563 – £47,123 per year
Welcome Payment: £10,000
Retention Payment: £2,000 – £4,000, depending on team
Relocation Package: Up to £10,000
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Vacancies: Not specified
Reference: 3124 (HCWF01109355)
Closing Date: 22 November 2026

Visa Sponsorship

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants already living in the UK.

Herefordshire Council can provide sponsorship for successful candidates who:

• Are already living in the UK.
• Have at least two years of UK-based experience in the relevant team or discipline.

Important: Overseas applicants who require visa sponsorship to come to the UK are not eligible for this position. The council is currently unable to offer overseas visa sponsorship for Children and Young People Social Worker roles.

About the Role

Herefordshire Council is recruiting a qualified Social Worker to join its Family Help Central Locality Team in Hereford.

The successful candidate will support children, young people and their families by delivering effective interventions that promote children’s safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes.

You will manage a complex caseload, assess family needs, identify risks and develop tailored Family Help Plans. You will also work closely with partner agencies and other professionals to provide coordinated support and safeguarding interventions.

The role offers an opportunity to join a supportive social work team with a strong focus on restorative practice, professional development and career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload of children and families.
• Act as the Family Help Lead Practitioner.
• Assess family needs, identify risks and develop appropriate support plans.
• Safeguard children and promote their welfare.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies and professionals.
• Chair and contribute to Child in Need, core group and strategy meetings.
• Undertake risk assessments and child protection interventions.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and professionals.
• Prepare accurate case records, reports and court documentation.
• Contribute to decisions that improve outcomes for children and young people.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification, such as a Social Work Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience working with children and families in a statutory social care setting.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and relevant legislation.
• Ability to assess risks and manage complex family situations.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and partnership-working skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload and maintain accurate records.
• Good IT and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to professional development and improving outcomes for children.

Candidates demonstrating the required competencies for Senior Practitioner may be appointed at that level, depending on their skills and experience.

Salary, Benefits and Incentives

Herefordshire Council offers an attractive employment package, including:

• Basic salary of £37,563 – £42,123 per year.
• Additional £5,000 annual market rate supplement.
• £10,000 welcome payment.
• Retention payment of £2,000 – £4,000, depending on team.
• Relocation assistance of up to £10,000.
• Senior Practitioner salary progression of £42,123 – £46,579.
• 31 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days of annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Professional development support, including protected time and funding.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements, including potential job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and counselling.
• Payment of relevant professional membership fees.
• Staff discounts, cashback and other lifestyle benefits.

Professional Development and Working Environment

The council promotes restorative social work practice, collaboration and reflective learning.

Employees receive support from experienced managers and access to professional development opportunities. The council also offers a structured Social Work Progression Pathway, providing opportunities to develop from Social Worker to Senior Practitioner.

Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and other relevant pre-employment checks.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV and complete the online application form, demonstrating their relevant experience, qualifications and skills against the job description and person specification.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email with details of the interview and/or assessment arrangements.

For an informal discussion about the position, contact:

Email: RecruitmentCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk

Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during the application process can contact Hoople Resourcing at enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official recruitment website.

Closing Date: 22 November 2026