Social Worker – Under 16s Team

Overview

We’re looking for an inspiring, committed and ambitious Social Worker to join our Under 16 Children in Care Team within our Corporate Parenting Service. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care and care experienced young adults. Our vision is centered on ensuring that every child in care, and every care-experienced young adult, is empowered to thrive and reach their full potential. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, we aim to create a service that is both responsive and adaptive to the changing needs of the children and young people we support. We are ambitious Corporate Parents and central to this vision is the development of a skilled, compassionate workforce, working in partnership with our children and young people, and upholding the highest standards of care. Through collaborative working, strong leadership, and a continued focus on positive outcomes, we will have a service that puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do, and realise our ambition for lasting, meaningful change.

In the Children in Care teams, we support children and young people once a decision has been made that children need to live away from their family home.

We support children and young people achieve permanence via Adoption, Special Guardianships and Long-Term Fostering. We also support all elements of children and young people's care plans including preparing them for adulthood. The children and young person are at the heart of everything we do.

This is a career graded role, for those appointed to Grade 7, in addition to the advertised salary, you will receive a market premium of £2,750 per annum.

You will also be entitled to a Golden Hello payment of £2,125 after 1 years service (Grade 7 external candidates only)

Take a look at our Children's Social Care Candidate Pack to find out more.

About the role

In this role, you’ll carry a varied caseload of children in care and care leavers, providing statutory social work that places each young person’s voice and lived experience at the centre. You’ll undertake assessments, plan and deliver interventions, and review progress regularly to ensure every child receives the right support at the right time.

You will work closely with families, carers, and multi‑agency professionals to create a collaborative, strengths‑based approach around each child. You’ll act as an advocate for their needs, help shape their plans for the future, and champion their rights and wellbeing throughout their journey in care and beyond.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Building meaningful, trusting relationships with children and young people to ensure their views shape decision‑making.
• Completing high‑quality assessments and developing child‑centred care and pathway plans.
• Working collaboratively with families, carers, and multi‑agency partners.
• Representing the local authority in court when required and maintaining accurate, timely records.

You’ll receive regular reflective supervision, access to professional development, and the support of a team that values quality practice and continuous learning.

About you

You’ll be a committed and reflective Social Worker, passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children. You’ll bring a good understanding of relevant legislation and practice frameworks, along with confidence in carrying out assessments, planning interventions, and managing a busy caseload. Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to form constructive working relationships will all be essential.

You’ll hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Experience working with vulnerable children and families is important, alongside an enthusiasm for continuous development.

A full driving licence and an enhanced DBS check are required, along with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently with members of the public.

Other information

If you would like to know more about this role, please contact Nichola Gallagher at [email protected]

Closing Date: Midnight on Tuesday 28th April 2026

Interview Date: W/C 4th or 11th May 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023).

For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.

We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants and shops, a generous employer pension contribution in line with the Local Government Pension Scheme, discounts on gym memberships and more - https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/

Social Workers are also entitled to a generous enhanced reward package, as follows:

• Competitive salary with a market increment
• A ‘Golden Hello’ lump sum payment upon successful completion of probation
• Annual leave up to 30 days per year, as well as other types of leave and the opportunity to buy further leave
• Up to 15 days per year training, learning and development offer
• Free parking across all of our office sites 

If you are interested in relocating to Buckinghamshire and working with us, relocation packages are also available.