Job Description

• Permanent Social Worker opportunity
• Salary between £42,000 and £47,000 per annum
• £4,000 Welcome Bonus
• Up to £8,000 Relocation Package Available
• Skilled Worker Visa Transfer Sponsorship Available
• Applications welcomed from Social Workers with a minimum of 2 years' post-qualified experience
• Manageable caseloads and strong management support
• Clear career progression and professional development opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Join a forward-thinking authority committed to excellent outcomes for children and families

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career with a local authority that genuinely invests in its workforce?

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking passionate and motivated Social Workers to join its Localities Service on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and supportive service where relationship-based practice, professional development, and positive outcomes for children are at the heart of everything they do.

Whether you are already based in the UK or looking to relocate, Gloucestershire offers an attractive package including a generous relocation allowance, welcome bonus, and visa sponsorship transfer opportunities for eligible candidates.

The Localities Service works with children and families requiring ongoing statutory intervention and support. Social Workers manage a varied caseload across Child in Need, Child Protection, Public Law Outline, and care proceedings, providing direct support to children and families while ensuring risks are effectively managed and positive change is achieved.

The service is structured to allow practitioners to develop meaningful relationships with families and partner agencies, ensuring interventions are purposeful, timely, and focused on achieving sustainable outcomes.

You will join a collaborative and supportive team environment where managers are accessible, supervision is reflective, and professional judgement is valued.

Gloucestershire's Children's Services are underpinned by a relationship-based and strengths-led practice model, recognising that lasting change is achieved through effective partnerships with children, families, and communities.

The service promotes:

• Building trusting and purposeful relationships with children and families
• Understanding the child's lived experience and ensuring their voice influences decision-making
• Working alongside families to identify strengths, resources, and protective factors
• Reflective and restorative practice approaches
• Evidence-informed assessments and interventions
• Multi-agency collaboration to improve outcomes and reduce risk
• Professional curiosity and analytical thinking in safeguarding practice
• Timely permanence planning and outcome-focused intervention

Social Workers are encouraged to work creatively and confidently while receiving regular support and guidance from experienced managers and senior practitioners.

• Managing a caseload of children subject to Child in Need and Child Protection plans
• Undertaking comprehensive child and family assessments
• Completing statutory visits and maintaining effective direct work with children
• Assessing risk and implementing safeguarding plans where necessary
• Progressing cases through Public Law Outline and legal proceedings when required
• Preparing high-quality court reports, assessments, and care plans
• Participating in child protection conferences, core groups, reviews, and strategy meetings
• Working closely with schools, health professionals, police, legal representatives, and community partners
• Maintaining accurate case recording and ensuring compliance with statutory timescales
• Supporting permanence planning and ensuring children achieve stable long-term outcomes

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification
• Registered with Social Work England
• Minimum of 2 years' post-qualified experience within Children's Services
• Experience managing Child in Need, Child Protection, and safeguarding cases
• Strong understanding of UK children's legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and statutory guidance
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency environment
• Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families

Gloucestershire County Council welcomes applications from overseas Social Workers currently working in the UK who require a transfer of Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.

To be considered for sponsorship transfer opportunities, candidates should:

• Hold current registration with Social Work England
• Have a minimum of 2 years' post-qualified Social Work experience
• Be currently sponsored and working within the UK
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and statutory practice

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced practitioners seeking long-term career progression within a supportive local authority.

• Competitive salary of £42,000 - £47,000 per annum
• £4,000 Welcome Bonus
• Up to £8,000 Relocation Package
• Visa Sponsorship Transfer Available
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Supportive and approachable management team
• Regular reflective supervision
• Comprehensive learning and development programme
• Career progression opportunities across Children's Services
• Access to specialist training and development pathways
• Strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance
• Opportunity to live and work in one of the UK's most picturesque counties

If you're looking for a local authority that values your expertise, invests in your development, and supports you to deliver outstanding practice, we'd love to hear from you.

Josh Dhumisani
Senior Recruitment Consultant

Mobile: (phone number removed)
Email: (url removed)