539 Local Authority Social Services Departments jobs in the United Kingdom

• Conduct comprehensive social care assessments of adult individuals' needs and circumstances.
• Develop, implement, and review person-centered care and support plans.
• Coordinate with a range of health and social care professionals, agencies, and service providers.
• Manage a caseload of complex cases, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Safeguard vulnerable adults, responding to and investigating concerns of abuse or neglect.
• Provide emotional support, advice, and advocacy to clients and their families.
• Facilitate community-based support and promote independence and social inclusion.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records in accordance with professional standards and policies.
• Participate in regular supervision and professional development activities.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of social care services.

• Professional Social Work qualification (e.g., BA/BSc Social Work, DipSW).
• Current registration with the relevant professional body (e.g., Social Work England).
• Proven experience working with adults in a social care setting.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures (e.g., Care Act 2014, safeguarding procedures).
• Excellent assessment, care planning, and risk management skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in using IT systems for case management and record-keeping.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for community-based work is often required.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and human rights.

We have opportunities for Social Workers to join our Assessment Teams based in Reigate and Weybridge, supporting Children and Young People.

When not working with our residents in the community, we are keen to support agile working with a combination of home and office working . We are keen to get the balance right of providing flexibility but ensuring you feel connected to your team and the service.

The salary range for Social Workers is £42,239 - £5,135 per annum . We also offer a financial package of up to ,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post.

Rewards and Benefits:

• We pay your Social Worker England Registration fee
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Refer a friend payment of ,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker

We recognise that looking for your next Social Work position is a really important step in your career and we're here to make that transition a positive one. Our commitment to applicants is to remove barriers and to understand more about you, your motivation for working in children's social care and why you're proud to work for such a valuable profession.

Our Progress

We are proud of our recent Good Ofsted judgement , which marks a significant milestone for Surrey. The report highlights how strong assessments in Surrey consider children's histories and involve social workers spending time alone with children to understand their experiences." Our strong training and development offer in Surrey "helps to equip staff with the understanding, knowledge and skills that they need to practice in a kind, sensitive, motivational and respectful way and that staff feel highly valued, are proud to work for children's services."

If you are considering your next professional opportunity and looking for an ambitious and highly motivated employer who is continuously striving for better services for children and young people, then our Surrey Children's Services would love to hear from you.

About Working in Assessment

The first contact any family or professional has with our assessment service sets the tone for our entire working relationship with them. Our practice across the whole service is based upon consent, strong relationships with families and with partners who are also supporting our families. Using motivational approaches the assessment social worker engages with both the family and the network supporting them to understand the presenting worries and work out whether a statutory social work service is required. If not, a plan to support the family at a lower level of need will be put in place to meet the need of the child and family.

One Voice

In Surrey, you will have a sense of belonging within your individual team but also the wider service areas and directorate. You will receive high quality supervision, as there is a firm commitment towards dedicating time that focusses on the work you do with children and families, to enable you to work creatively and holistically in providing support and protection to children whilst also paying attention to your wellbeing and career development. This creates a sense of purpose and fulfilment with a clear pathway to achieve your future aspirations.

Wherever you are in your career journey, Surrey is committed to supporting and nurturing you so that you can be the best version of yourself.

Our Surrey Children's Service Academy currently has over 60 courses available and offers a bespoke learning programme so you can be at the forefront of best practice. Modules such as motivational interviewing and our total respect course allow you to feel empowered in having essential conversations whilst still ensuring a child centred approach to your practice.

Your Application, Our Inclusive Approach

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Qualified Social Work degree and SWE Registration
• Car driver with a valid UK license
• ASYE completed, within two years of qualifying
• UK social work experience - at least 1 year UK frontline social work experience

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

• Please tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role?
• Please tell us about the key skills and experience you will be able to bring to this role.
• Working in an Assessment team can be quite fast paced, unpredictable and often requires multi-tasking. Using an example, please tell us how you cope under pressure?

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first round virtual interview to explore your answers to the above questions (lasting approx. 15- 20 min).

If your Teams call goes well, you will be invited for an in person interview, allowing you to meet the team, check out your potential office and get a feel for what your journey might look like.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That's why, if you're invited to a face-to-face interview, we'll share the themes of the questions with you in advance. This way, you can prepare and feel comfortable knowing what topics will be covered during the process, allowing you to focus and confidently discuss your valuable skills and experiences.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 10th November 2025.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. If you employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

Social Worker – Small Caseload, Big Impact!

Location : Croydon

Pay : £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

Job type : Permanent

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for a role where you can truly focus on families and create lasting change? Do you want the opportunity to work with a manageable caseload, implement creative interventions, and be supported by a highly skilled team? If so, this is the perfect role for you!

Why Join Our Client?

Our client is committed to keeping families together by providing holistic and tailored parenting assessments that help parents develop the skills they need to care for their children safely. Their residential family centre in Croydon provides a secure and nurturing environment where parents can showcase their parenting capabilities, as mandated by the courts or local authorities.

As a Social Worker, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work with a small caseload of just 3 - 4 families, allowing you to provide in-depth, high-quality support. You’ll also have the freedom to implement creative and innovative interventions that help parents overcome challenges and build sustainable parenting skills. Plus, you’ll be fully supported by a team of highly experienced professionals, ensuring you have the guidance and expertise needed to excel in your role.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Managing a small, focused caseload – Work intensively with 3 - 4 families at a time, ensuring high-quality, well-evidenced assessments.
• Designing and implementing innovative interventions – Develop creative ways to support families, helping them engage in meaningful change.
• Conducting in-depth parenting assessments – Produce detailed reports that directly influence court decisions and long-term family outcomes.
• Prioritising child safety – Make well-informed recommendations that ensure children are protected and supported.
• Providing expert guidance – Help families navigate challenges, build confidence, and improve parenting skills.
• Collaborating with a skilled team – Work alongside highly experienced professionals who will support your work and professional growth.

What They’re Looking For:

• Qualified & Registered – You have a degree in Social Work and are registered with the relevant governing body.
• Experienced in family assessments – You have expertise in parenting assessments, family placements, and safeguarding.
• Skilled in report writing – You can produce clear, evidence-based assessments that inform key decisions.
• Creative & Solution-focused – You are passionate about developing and implementing innovative support strategies for families.
• Committed to safeguarding – You understand the importance of child protection and adhere to strict safeguarding policies.
• Empathetic & Resilient – You handle sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion.

What You’ll Gain:

• Manageable caseloads – Work with 3 - 4 families, allowing you to provide high-quality, focused support.
• Freedom to innovate – Implement creative interventions and shape the future of family assessments.
• Expert support – Work alongside a team of experienced professionals who will mentor and guide you.
• Career development – Enhance your expertise in child protection and social work assessments.
• Personal development – Access to a broad range of training and learning that will support your continued personal development.
• Job satisfaction – Play a vital role in transforming lives and keeping families together.
• Supportive work environment – Be part of a passionate and dedicated team that values your skills and contributions.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact while working with a manageable caseload and a strong support system, our client would love to hear from you!

Apply now and take the next step in your social work career.

Join us as a Children’s Social Worker and make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families across Hampshire. We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services.

You’ll be a key part of a forward-thinking, high-performing and supportive team that values creativity, autonomy, and professional growth. With the right environment and support behind you, your potential won’t just be realised – it’ll be celebrated.

What you’ll do:

• Build strong, meaningful relationships with children and families to enable positive change.
• Lead on assessments, care planning, and interventions that safeguard and promote wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to deliver holistic support.
• Manage complex caseloads with autonomy, creativity, and a focus on outcomes.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience working with children and families, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, mediation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, legal frameworks, equality, and best value principles.
• Confident managing complex caseloads and working effectively in multi-agency settings.
• Skilled in assessing risk, analysing information, and producing high-quality reports.
• Highly organised, reflective, and committed to continuous professional development.

Please note: This role is not open to newly qualified social workers. If you are a recent graduate, please apply through our Graduate Entry Training Scheme (GETS) on our website.

Why join us?

• Outstanding support : Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
• Flexible working : Including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
• Career development : 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
• Back-office support : Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• Wellbeing support : Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.  
• Competitive benefits package : Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Ready to take the next step?

• Learn more : Explore the role, team, and our values in our Candidate Pack on our website.
• Apply by email : Send your CV to with the subject line ‘Social Worker HCC ’ . By submitting your CV, you are giving consent for Hampshire County Council to store your data in accordance with data protection legislation.
• Alternatively, apply online : Click the ‘Apply’ button below to complete your application on our website.  

Important : You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Welfare Worker, Social Services, Case Manager, Social Work Practitioner, Children’s Services Practitioner, Child Protection Social Worker, Children and Families Social Worker, Safeguarding Social Worker, Family Support Social Worker.

We have opportunities for Social Workers to join our Family Safeguarding Teams based across East Surrey covering the Reigate and Weybridge areas and West Surrey covering the Woking and Guildford areas.

The salary range for Social Workers who have successfully completed their ASYE is £47,239 - £0,135 per annum . This is inclusive of a supplement of ,000. We also offer a financial package of up to ,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post.

Our Offer to You

• A competitive relocation package of up to ,000
• We pay your Social Worker England Registration fee
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
• Access to our car lease scheme
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• Refer a friend payment of ,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker

About Surrey

Our Surrey Children's Services are actively working towards becoming a high-performing local authority, evidenced by the fact we are now starting to realise the positive impacts of the Family Safeguarding practice model in action with reductions in the number of children subject to child protection plans. We are working hard to sustain and develop our progress and this is driven by the efforts of every member of our social care workforce from our business support and family support workers to our frontline practitioners through to leadership- all working together to create and sustain the right conditions for a positive culture and well-supported workforce equipped to deliver consistent and good quality social work practice for our children and families.

Our Progress

We are proud of our recent Good Ofsted judgement, which marks a significant milestone for Surrey. The report highlights that our social workers are "skilled at building relationships with children who are subject of children in need or child protection plans. Creative direct work helps them to build a rounded understanding of children's daily lives." "They also build positive relationships with parents, enabling honest and sometimes difficult conversations." Overall "Staff are well-trained and committed, feel highly valued and are proud to work in Surrey."

About our Family Safeguarding Service

Our Family Safeguarding services include responsibility for our Family Safeguarding Model, Child In Need, as well as pre and court proceedings.

Within Family Safeguarding we use motivational interviewing, multi-agency approach under the Family Safeguarding model, where Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Domestic Abuse Practitioners, Recovery Workers, Mental Health Practitioners, and Psychologists collaborate closely to address family issues efficiently, reducing the need for referrals to other agencies.

We strive to provide a supportive and dynamic work environment for our employees, that fosters growth, maintains work-life balance, and rewards efforts. We guarantee 5 days of CPD and have access to excellent research and development tools such as Community Care Inform, Care Knowledge and Research In Practice.

Why Choose Surrey?

Surrey is a large and ambitious local authority meaning we can draw from a range of available resources to support the delivery of our services to children and their families, but that's just part of it. It's our staff that truly make the difference day in day out and we'd like to share with you some of their insights as to why they choose to be part of Surrey Children's social care workforce.

Our staff highlighted that you can expect…

• Positive team and colleague relationships - You'll have the opportunity to be part of a team that thrives on positive working relationships, where collaboration with supportive colleagues in your team, across the organisation and with key partners will enable and enrich your practice.
• Flexibility and work-life balance - We are committed to agile working and trust you to adapt your schedule to suit your needs, balancing this against the need to visit your children and families. It is our expectation that staff attend the office at least 2 days per week.
• Opportunities and support for professional development - You can benefit from a structured environment that encourages growth and development. You'll have access to ongoing training opportunities via our Surrey Children's Service Academy, including our coaching and mentoring scheme, a well-structured progression pathway, learning opportunities and reflective and task focused supervision.
• A sense of belonging and familiarity - You'll be part of our welcoming and approachable social work family where you'll be able to draw on the knowledge of established team members to support your understanding of the local area and available resources, working for a team where your individual expertise are valued and where you can have fun together.
• A focus on wellbeing - We recognise that you are a valuable asset and key to unlocking the positive changes we aspire for with our children and families. The job you do is serious therefore we take your well being seriously and recognise the need for reflective supervision where wellbeing is front and centre of the conversation.

Our Inclusive Approach

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

• Please tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role?
• Please tell us about the key skills and experience you will be able to bring to this role.
• What is your understanding of Surrey's Practice Model for family safeguarding? Can you describe the strengths and challenges of this model.

Next Steps

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first round virtual interview to explore your answers to the above questions (lasting approx. 15- 20 min). If successful following this, you will be invited for an in person interview, allowing you to meet the team, check out your potential office and get a feel for what your journey might look like.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That's why, if you're invited to a face-to-face interview, we'll share the themes of the questions with you in advance. This way, you can prepare and feel comfortable, allowing you to confidently discuss your skills and experiences.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 3rd November 2025.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

You will need to be registered with Social Work England.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and qualified social workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.

We have an opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Children Looked After Team based in Reigate.

When not working with our residents in the community, we are keen to support agile working with a combination of home and office working . We are keen to get the balance right of providing flexibility but ensuring you feel connected to your team and the service.

The salary range for Social Workers is £42,239 - £5,135 per annum . We also offer a financial package of up to ,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post.

Our Offer to You

• We pay your Social Worker England Registration fee
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Refer a friend payment of ,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker

Our Progress

We are proud of our recent Good Ofsted judgement, which marks a significant milestone for Surrey. The report highlights that "Children in care have trusting and positive relationships with their Social Workers. Social Workers use creative life-story work to help children understand the reasons why they are in care." And "Staff are well-trained and committed, feel highly valued and are proud to work in Surrey."

If you are considering your next professional opportunity and looking for an ambitious and highly motivated employer who is continuously striving for better services for children and young people, then our Surrey Children's Services would love to hear from you.

About working with Children Looked After

As a member in the Children Looked After Team, your role will be to support children living with relatives, friends or foster families and perspective adopters or older children living in children's homes and semi-independent units. You will build sustainable relationships with them and plan for their permanence. You will be responsible for ensuring their safety and support them take the necessary steps towards independence.

Through regular visits, assessments and reviewing their Care Plan, you will nurture and develop meaningful relationships with these children and young people; understand and interpret their wishes; and champion and support them to reach their full potential. Occasionally, you will be required to prepare reports and attend court.

You will be supported in this challenging role with regular supervision and consultations with our Mental Health Focussed Social Worker. You will also find support by working alongside other social workers, family support workers and partnership organisations such as: Health Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (New Leaf), Independent Reviewing officers and carers.

Supporting You

In Surrey, you will have a sense of belonging within your individual team but also the wider service areas and directorate. You will receive high quality supervision, as there is a firm commitment towards dedicating time that focusses on the work you do with children and families, to enable you to work creatively and holistically with a child centred approach.

You will also be supported in your career development by your management team and our Surrey Children's Service Academy, which currently has over 60 courses available and offers a bespoke learning programme so you can be at the forefront of best practice, providing you with support and a clear pathway to achieve your future aspirations.

Modules such as motivational interviewing and our total respect course allow you to feel empowered in having essential conversations whilst still ensuring a child centred approach to your practice.

Our Inclusive Approach

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer the following questions (no more than 200 words per question):

• Please tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role?
• Please tell us about the key skills and experience you will be able to bring to this role.
• Please tell us about an example that demonstrates how you have built long lasting relationships with children.

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short first round virtual interview to explore your answers to the above questions (lasting approx. 15- 20 min).

If your Teams call goes well, you will be invited for an in person interview, allowing you to meet the team, check out your potential office and get a feel for what your journey might look like.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That's why, if you're invited to a face-to-face interview, we'll share the themes of the questions with you in advance. This way, you can prepare and feel comfortable knowing what topics will be covered during the process, allowing you to focus and confidently discuss your valuable skills and experiences.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 27th October 2025.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

You will need to be registered with Social Work England.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

• Facilitate timely hospital discharges for adults requiring social care support
• Conduct reviews within a 2-week timeframe, aligned with winter initiative protocols
• Support service users in achieving a safe and sustainable home-first approach
• Maintain accurate and detailed case records
• Collaborate with hospital teams, care providers, and family members
• Ensure full compliance and adherence to all relevant policies and procedures
• Work five days per week (preferred), with an expectation of three days in the office weekly – living locally is crucial for this role
• Participate in ongoing team meetings and training sessions
• Support residents in planning and arranging suitable care packages upon discharge

• Competitive pay rate (to be discussed upon application)
• Immediate start for fully compliant candidates
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative and supportive environment
• Flexibility in working arrangements depending on the candidate’s situation
• Contribute to a vital winter initiative supporting vulnerable adults
• Develop your skills within the Adults Social Care sector

• Conduct thorough assessments of children and families to determine needs and risks.
• Develop and implement personalized intervention plans.
• Provide expert advice and support to families, carers, and other professionals.
• Maintain detailed case records and comply with statutory requirements.
• Collaborate with multi-agency teams to promote children's safety and welfare.
• Participate in reviews and audits as required.
• Travel across Lancashire as and when required, using your own vehicle (this is an essential car user position).

• Must be social work qualified.
• Registered as a social worker with Social Work England.
• Genuine commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
• Strong communication, assessment, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to handle complex situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Must be an essential car user, able to travel across Lancashire.

• Position type: Contract
• Contract length:  agency
• Location: County Hall Preston, with travel across Lancashire
• Interview date: 27th October
• Salary:  36LTD inclusive of holiday pay or 28.63 PAYE exclusive of holiday pay 

• Competitive pay rate for the right candidate.
• Supportive and dynamic team environment.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in children's lives.
• Mileage allowance for travel across Lancashire.
• Flexible working arrangements where possible.
• Ongoing professional development and support.