North Somerset Council • Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset
About this role
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents; we are passionate about building connections with families and working restoratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
We are a small organisation, characterised by warmth, and we are all hugely committed to supporting each other to do the best we can for the community we serve, with the strong political and corporate support we need for children’s services.
We welcome passion, creativity, and diversity in our people. If you are as committed to relational, restorative practice as we are, we would love to meet you!
Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Children’s Services – Initial Directions Team.
About the Role
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? We are looking for a dedicated and skilled Children’s Assessment Social Worker to join our dynamic and supportive Initial Directions Team. This is a vital front-line role where you will be the first point of contact for children and families in need of support and protection.
As part of our Children’s Services, you will carry out statutory assessments under the Children Act 1989, including Section 17 and Section 47 enquiries. You will work closely with families, schools, health professionals, and other agencies to assess risk, identify needs, and develop robust plans that promote the safety and well-being of children.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake timely and high-quality family help assessments of children and families.
Support families to make their own plans to increase safety and wellbeing for their children, using family network meetings.
Make evidence-based decisions to safeguard children and promote positive outcomes.
Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to ensure coordinated support.
Prepare clear, concise reports for child protection conferences, legal proceedings, and reviews.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records using electronic systems.
Participate in regular supervision and contribute to team development.
About You
We are seeking a qualified and registered social worker with experience in statutory children’s services. You will have a sound understanding of child development, safeguarding legislation, and assessment frameworks. You’ll be confident in managing risk, making decisions under pressure, and building effective relationships with children and families.
Essential Criteria
Social Work qualification (Degree or Diploma)
Registration with Social Work England
Experience in child protection and statutory assessments
Strong communication, analytical, and organisational skills
Ability to work flexibly and manage competing priorities
Desirable Criteria
Experience in court work and report writing
Familiarity with Signs of Safety or similar strengths-based approaches
Knowledge of local authority procedures and systems
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Jo Mumord, Team Manager
jo.mumford@n-somerset.gov.uk
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.