Social Workers - Children In Care

Job Introduction

Social Workers - Children in Care Teams

£36,581 - £44,253 per annum plus a 7% Attraction and Retention Payment paid monthly

Sleaford & North Hykeham

Newly Qualified, Level 1 and Experienced Social Workers

We are looking for passionate and committed Social Workers to join our outstanding Children in Care Teams in North Hykeham and Sleaford.

Putting Children First

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people in care? Do you want to work in a service where children remain at the centre of everything we do?

At Lincolnshire County Council, we are proud of our reputation for delivering exceptional support to children, young people and families. If you are committed to making a difference and helping children achieve stability, security and positive futures, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Lincolnshire?

Lincolnshire Children's Services is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and we have maintained this judgement through our most recent inspection. Our success is built on a strong practice culture, skilled practitioners and a shared commitment to achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.

Our practice model is Signs of Safety, underpinned by restorative practice. We focus on building trusting relationships, recognising family strengths, and ensuring the voice of the child is at the centre of every assessment, plan and decision.

About Our Children in Care Teams

Our Children in Care Teams support children and young people who are subject to care orders, accommodated under Section 20, or preparing for independence and adulthood.

As a Social Worker within our Children in Care Service, you will:

• Build meaningful relationships with children and young people.
• Develop and review care plans that promote safety, stability and permanence.
• Work closely with foster carers, residential providers, schools, health professionals and partner agencies.
• Ensure children's voices influence decisions about their lives and futures.
• Support children to achieve positive outcomes in education, health, emotional wellbeing and preparation for adulthood.

Newly Qualified Social Workers (ASYE)

We recognise that your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) is a critical stage in your career.

Our comprehensive ASYE programme provides:

• Protected and reduced caseloads.
• Regular reflective supervision.
• Structured learning and development opportunities.
• Monthly group learning sessions.
• Support from experienced practitioners and managers.
• Opportunities to develop confidence, critical reflection and professional judgement.

You'll have the time, support and guidance needed to build strong foundations for a successful social work career.

Level 1 Social Workers

As a Level 1 Social Worker, you will manage a varied caseload while further developing your skills and knowledge. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will build confidence in managing children's journeys through care and achieving permanence.

You will receive regular supervision, access to excellent learning opportunities and support to progress your career within Children's Services.

Experienced Social Workers

As an Experienced Social Worker, you will hold and manage more complex cases, using your professional expertise to deliver high-quality interventions and achieve positive outcomes for children in care.

You will also have opportunities to:

• Mentor and support less experienced colleagues.
• Contribute to practice development.
• Support social work students on placement.
• Progress into specialist, practice educator or management pathways.

Our Offer

We understand that social work is both challenging and rewarding, which is why we invest heavily in our people.

Alongside a supportive team environment, you will benefit from:

• Regular professional and case supervision.
• Access to high-quality learning and development opportunities.
• Funded post-qualifying training, including Practice Educator qualifications.
• Complimentary access to Research in Practice.
• Career progression opportunities within an Outstanding service.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
• Annual team development opportunities.

Salary and Benefits

£36,581 - £44,253 per annum plus a 7% Attraction and Retention Payment paid monthly

In addition, we offer:

• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Comprehensive employee benefits and discount schemes.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Flexible working policies.
• Generous annual leave entitlement with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Relocation package (subject to eligibility).
• Excellent wellbeing support.

Further information can be found in our Rewards and Benefits brochure.

If you would like an informal discussion about these opportunities, please contact:

Michelle Hakes - North Hykeham
michelle.hakes@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Jo Stares - Sleaford
joanne.stares@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Join an Outstanding Local Authority where children come first, practice matters, and social workers are supported to thrive.

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position is subject to a criminal record check. 

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.