Newly Qualified Social Worker

Job Description

Job Title: Newly Qualified Social Worker
Salary: £33,366 – £35,235 (pro rata)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Various (Full-time, Part-time, Job-share available)
Service Area: Children’s Social Work
Location: Leeds City Council

Start Your Social Work Career with Purpose

Are you ready to begin your journey as a children’s social worker in a city that puts young people at the centre of everything it does? At Leeds City Council, our restorative approach underpins all we do—empowering families, supporting communities, and creating meaningful, long-term change.

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW), you’ll be an essential member of our highly respected and Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” children’s services team. From day one, you’ll be supported through our well-structured Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, with protected caseloads, dedicated training time, co-working opportunities, weekly mentor sessions, and access to our innovative practice café.

Upon successful completion of your ASYE, you’ll step into a Social Worker role (view job here – REQ001330), with opportunities to progress into teams that align with your interests and strengths. These include Locality Services, Children Looked After, and specialist areas such as Front Door, Restorative Early Support, and the Child Health and Disability Service.

We offer permanent roles with flexible working arrangements—full-time, part-time, or job-share—tailored to support your wellbeing and work-life balance, where possible.

Why Choose Leeds City Council?

• Recognised as an Ofsted Outstanding provider of children’s services
• Committed to our vision of a Child Friendly Leeds
• One of the largest employers in the region with 14,000+ staff
• Strong culture of inclusion, innovation, and professional support
• Deeply rooted in values that place people first

Who We’re Looking For

To join our team, you must have:

• A recognised social work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)
• Registration with Social Work England at the time of appointment
• Completion or upcoming award of a social work qualification—if you’re awaiting final results, we may offer you a Trainee Social Worker post in the interim

You’ll also bring:

• A sound understanding of current legislation, safeguarding practices, and social work frameworks
• Strong communication skills and a consultative approach to working with children and families
• An ability to assess needs, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes effectively
• Willingness to reflect, learn, and grow through supervision and ongoing development

Your Role and Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll be part of a friendly and highly supportive team, where your development is a top priority. Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering high-quality social work services to children and families
• Participating fully in the ASYE programme with mentoring, supervision, and structured learning
• Co-working complex cases alongside experienced professionals
• Using restorative practices and family-led decision-making such as Family Group Conferencing
• Building strong working relationships with local health services and community partners

You’ll also be encouraged to work toward your Practice Educator Level 1 qualification to help mentor future social work students and early career professionals.

What We Offer

We’re committed to offering our social workers an excellent employment experience. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary with regular pay progression
• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• West Yorkshire Pension Fund with substantial employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working options (based on service needs)
• Clearly defined career pathways and CPD opportunities
• Essential car user allowance and car loan scheme
• Exclusive access to employee discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility
• Health and wellbeing benefits to support your physical and mental health

Ready to Apply?

To apply, simply upload your CV and provide a personal statement (up to 500 words) through our online application portal.

Before you apply:
Please review the job requirements and ensure all sections of the application form are completed accurately.

Need help or want to learn more?
Call our recruitment team at 0113 378 5165 for an informal conversation with a relevant manager.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Leeds City Council is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.
All preferred candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the children’s barred list.
Please refer to our Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.

We value diversity in our workforce and are proud to reflect the communities we serve. We’re recognised as:

A Stonewall Top 100 Employer (Workplace Equality Index 2024)

An Age-friendly Employer

A Mindful Employer

A Disability Confident Leader

Additional Info: Right to Work in the UK

This is a UK-based position. In line with Home Office guidelines, you must provide evidence of your legal right to work in the UK before employment—whether as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or via a valid work visa.

If you require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, please ensure you meet eligibility requirements. Most roles require a salary of at least £38,700 annually or fall under specific exemptions.
Visit the UK Government’s Skilled Worker visa page for full guidance.

Let’s shape brighter futures together. Begin your journey with us today.
Apply now: Leeds City Council Careers Portal