Make a real difference where it matters most.

Are you a passionate Social Worker looking for a role where you can build strong relationships, feel supported by experienced managers, and deliver meaningful change for children and families?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our enthusiastic, welcoming and supportive Locality Children's Services teams in Wakefield.

As a service rated Ofsted GOOD, with Outstanding Leadership, and we are proud of the difference we make for children, young people and families. We are now looking for motivated and ambitious social workers who want to be part of our continued journey of excellence.

Why Choose Wakefield?

At Wakefield, we believe outstanding social work happens when social workers are valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.

You'll join a service that has benefited from significant investment in staffing, resources and practice development, creating an environment where social work can thrive.

Our teams benefit from:

• Supportive and approachable managers who prioritise your development and wellbeing.
• Collaborative and friendly team environments where colleagues genuinely support one another.
• Strong partnership working with our highly regarded Early Help Service and a wide range of community-based support services.
• Manageable, capped caseloads that allow you to focus on meaningful direct work with children and families.
• A restorative practice approach through our innovative Wakefield Families Together model.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Free parking at your workplace.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

About the Role

Our Locality Safeguarding Teams support children and families throughout their journey in Children's Services.

You will manage a varied caseload including:

• Child and Family Assessments
• Child in Need Planning
• Child Protection Planning
• Section 47 Investigations
• Care Proceedings

This is a role where your professional expertise, decision-making and relationship-based practice can genuinely transform outcomes for children and young people.

You will work within a small, well-supported team led by experienced managers who are committed to helping you succeed and develop your career.

Our Practice Model

Wakefield Families Together is our unique practice framework, co-designed alongside staff and partners to support high-quality social work practice.

The model combines restorative practice, evidence-informed approaches and practical tools that enable social workers to achieve the best possible outcomes for families.

Ofsted recognised our strong partnership culture, highlighting the benefits of our multi-agency working arrangements and co-located services that promote joined-up thinking and deliver positive change for children and families.

We work particularly closely with our Early Help colleagues to ensure families receive the right support at the right time, helping to prevent crisis and reduce escalation wherever possible.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more

Essential Requirements

You will need:

• BA or MA in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Experience of working with children and families as a qualified Social Worker.
• The ability to build effective relationships with children, families, colleagues and partner agencies.

• Strong analytical, assessment and report-writing skills.

Join Us

If you are committed to improving the lives of children and families and want to work in a service where you will be supported, developed and valued, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Jennie Finbow
Team Manager
jfinbow@wakefield.gov.uk 

Join Wakefield Council and be part of a service where great social work is recognised, invested in and celebrated.

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)

The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty. 

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.