A fantastic opportunity has arisen for Newly Qualified Social Workers across our child protection teams for Children’s Social Care within Wakefield Council.

With visible and stable senior management and ever-increasing permanent workforce, social work in Wakefield continues to thrive.

At Wakefield we have adopted a restorative model in every aspect of our role to work collaboratively with practitioners and wider partners to promote positive change for the children in our district.

We are dedicated to providing our workers with a positive working environment, where they feel safe and supported. We are committed to staff development and progression.

So why choose Wakefield?

Here at Wakefield, we know we are moving towards outstanding practice.

We know this because:

• We have a strong and supportive team with effective leadership.
• You will have access to high quality and relevant training and development opportunities.
• We promote career progression to enable you to grow with us.
• We care about our workers and staff morale is good.
• Benefits include essential car user payments, a minimum of 28 days paid annual leave (rising according to your grade and length of service), plus 8 days paid bank holidays.
• Your office base is in a location that has good transport links and parking.

This gives us scope to be creative about how we want to shape our service. We have clear direction of where we want to be and we want you to be a part of this journey.

Who are we looking for?

At Wakefield we’re looking for only the best – those with the skills, motivation, and passion to help us move forwards. You must also be the following:

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification registered with Social Work England, or be currently working towards this qualification
• Demonstrate experience in frontline social work practice
• Possess excellent communication skills
• Have experience working collaboratively with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies
• Proven experience of working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to assess complex social care needs and effectively plan, deliver, and review interventions
• Sound knowledge of social work theory, relevant legislation, policy frameworks, and safeguarding practices
• Strong partnership and collaboration skills to support effective multi-agency working
• Experience of using supervision to support critical reflection and continuous professional development

If you think this is you, apply to join our team. Choose Wakefield.

For an informal discussion please contact the Learning and Quality Service at learningacademy@wakefield.gov.uk

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

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

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Bethany Kerry

E-mail: bkerry@wakefield.gov.uk

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

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.