Job Description
Salary: PO1 £37,035 – £39,513 (pro rata for part-time)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Various (full-time, part-time, and job-share considered)
Service: Children’s Social Work
Job Reference: REQ001330
About the Role
At Leeds City Council, our children’s social workers are at the heart of our ambition to make Leeds the best city for children and young people. Working within our restorative practice model, you’ll focus on building strong, respectful relationships with children and families to create positive and lasting change.
We have opportunities across a variety of teams, including locality teams, children looked after, and specialist services such as the Front Door, Restorative Early Support, and the Child Health and Disability Service. You will be allocated to a post that reflects both your skills and experience, as well as the needs of the service.
We welcome applications from social workers with at least one year of post-qualification experience. Permanent contracts are available on a full-time, part-time, or job-share basis, and we also support flexible working where possible to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What We Offer
As part of Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Leeds Children’s Services, you will benefit from:
- Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement (plus statutory holidays)
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (subject to service requirements)
- Clear career pathways and ongoing professional development
- Essential car user allowance and car loan scheme
- Discounts and benefits, including eligibility for the Blue Light Card
- A strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and professional support
About You
We are looking for a committed and compassionate practitioner who can bring:
- A recognised social work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)
- Registration with Social Work England (SWE)
- Completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- Willingness to work towards Practice Educator Level 1
- At least one year’s experience in a statutory children’s social care setting
- The ability to assess needs, plan and implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes
- Strong knowledge of current legislation, safeguarding policies, and best practice
- Excellent communication and multi-agency working skills
- A reflective approach, using supervision to develop insight and improve practice
The Work You’ll Do
As a social worker in our children’s service, you will:
- Manage a caseload appropriate to your level of experience and support children with complex needs.
- Build trusted relationships with children, families, and carers to ensure their voices are heard.
- Work alongside health partners, schools, and the voluntary sector to deliver the best outcomes for children.
- Use restorative practice and family decision-making models, including family group conferencing, to support families.
- Engage in regular supervision, appraisal, and reflective practice.
- Train and mentor colleagues, including newly qualified social workers and students, by working towards Practice Educator Level 1.
Equality and Inclusion
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+ people, those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, and individuals with care experience.
Safer Recruitment and Right to Work
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ Barred List (as appropriate) will be required. Read our policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders
- This post is based in the UK. Applicants must demonstrate their right to work before starting employment (UK or Irish citizen, EU Settlement Scheme status, or valid work visa).
- If you require sponsorship, please check your eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To qualify, you will usually need to earn at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the alternative eligibility criteria. Find out more on GOV.UK
How to Apply
Apply online by uploading your CV and completing a personal statement (maximum 500 words). Please check your application carefully before submitting.
If you’d like an informal discussion about the role, please contact our recruitment team on 0113 378 5165, and they will connect you with a relevant manager.
Join us in making a real difference to children’s lives across Leeds. Apply today to become part of our outstanding children’s services team.