Social Worker

Social Worker – Kinship Team | Somerset Council

Job Overview

Employer: Somerset Council
Job Title: Social Worker
Team: Kinship Team
Location: Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Salary: £37,280 – £41,771 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 8 September 2026
Job Reference: 1288/DT
Interview Date: Planned for 15 September 2026

Right to Work & Sponsorship

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Somerset Council states that it can only proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

This vacancy is therefore not suitable for applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship from Somerset Council.

About the Role

Somerset Council is seeking a passionate and qualified Social Worker to join its Kinship Team.

The successful candidate will work with children, young people, families and partner organisations to safeguard children’s welfare and help them thrive in safe, stable and nurturing environments.

You will assess needs, plan appropriate interventions and provide support to children and families while working collaboratively with multi-agency partners and other qualified social workers.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete ongoing assessments of allocated cases.
• Manage a caseload involving varying levels of complexity.
• Conduct risk assessments to help protect children and young people.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions in response to identified needs.
• Undertake statutory and best-practice reviews.
• Ensure work complies with relevant legislation and professional requirements.
• Work collaboratively with families, colleagues and multi-agency partners.
• Promote safe, stable and nurturing environments.
• Support positive outcomes and permanence for children.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A recognised social care qualification.
• Registration with Social Care England.
• Relevant multidisciplinary social care experience.
• Experience of partnership working with other agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of social care practice in accordance with Social Care England guidelines.
• The ability to speak fluent English as specified under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.

About the Kinship Team

The county-wide Kinship Post Support Team supports children living in kinship arrangements, regardless of their legal status.

Kinship carers play an important role in helping children who cannot live with their parents remain within their existing family and community networks.

The wider team provides support through:

• Signposting and sharing appropriate support.
• Assessments and reviews.
• Delivery of training.
• Applications for ASGSF funding.
• Financial assessments and reviews.
• Supporting children to maintain permanence within their family networks.
• Collaborative work between dedicated social workers and support staff.

Why Join Somerset Council?

Employees can benefit from:

• 30 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible and hybrid working where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support.
• Confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities.
• Career development opportunities within local authority social care.

Working Arrangements

The position is full-time, 37 hours per week on a permanent contract.

The working location will be determined based on the successful candidate and where they live.

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements may be available where service requirements permit.

DBS Requirement

This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Interview

Planned interview date: 15 September 2026

Important Sponsorship Information

Sponsorship is NOT available for this vacancy.

Somerset Council states that it will only proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

Applicants who require a Certificate of Sponsorship should therefore not apply for this particular vacancy.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official Somerset Council recruitment portal.

Closing date: 8 September 2026

Candidates should review the complete vacancy requirements and job description before applying.

Job Description

The full job description is available here:

AG0608 Social Worker 2025 – Job Description

Informal Enquiries

For an informal discussion about the role:

Emma Martin
Team Manager – Kinship
Email: emma.martin@somerset.gov.uk

Quick Summary

Apply Now

Interested in this Social Worker opportunity?

Review the full requirements and submit your application before the 8 September 2026 deadline.

Important: This vacancy does not offer visa sponsorship.