Job Description
Job Title: Senior Social Worker
Salary: PO3 £41,511 – £44,711 (pro rata)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Various
Service: Children’s Social Work
Job Reference: REQ001329
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our children’s social work team at Leeds City Council. In this role, you will work restoratively with children and families, building strong relationships that drive positive change and lasting outcomes. Our approach places relationships at the heart of our practice—working collaboratively with children, families, and multi-agency partners to make a real difference.
You will manage a complex and diverse caseload while contributing to the development and innovation of our service. Using our restorative practice model, you will be involved in family decision-making, including family group conferencing, and will maintain strong links with local health and third-sector partners.
Opportunities Available
We welcome applications from:
Our team offers comprehensive support and training, clear career progression, and reflective supervision, allowing you to develop and grow professionally. Opportunities exist across locality teams, children looked after, and specialist services such as front door, restorative early support, and the child health and disability service. Posts will be allocated based on your experience, preferences, and service needs.
We are proud to be part of Ofsted Outstanding Leeds Children’s Services, working to improve outcomes for all children and young people, especially those from vulnerable and deprived backgrounds. Our ambition aligns with Child Friendly Leeds, striving to ensure every child is safe, happy, healthy, and able to reach their potential.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will:
- Hold a relevant professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)
- Be registered with Social Work England at the start of employment
- Hold Practice Educator Level 1 and be willing to work towards Level 2
Additional skills and experience include:
- Managing complex statutory caseloads with strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Up-to-date knowledge of social care policies, safeguarding, and best practice trends
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage effectively with children, families, and multi-agency partners
- Ability to mentor, motivate, and develop colleagues
- Proactive engagement with supervision to enhance practice and insight
What We Offer
We pride ourselves on providing an excellent employee experience, including:
- Competitive salary and annual leave 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 continuing professional development opportunities
- Essential car user allowance and access to a car loan scheme
- Staff deals, discounts, and benefits to support wellbeing
How to Apply
- Submit your application online, including your CV and a personal statement (maximum 500 words). Please ensure all sections are completed before submission.
- For queries or an informal discussion about the role, contact the recruitment team on 0113 378 5165, who can connect you with a relevant manager.
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy
- We encourage applications from all backgrounds and actively seek diverse candidates, including women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled, and care-experienced individuals.
- Eligibility to work in the UK: Candidates must demonstrate the right to work in the UK, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or through a relevant work visa. Candidates requiring sponsorship must meet the Skilled Worker visa criteria, including the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 per year.
