Permanent Social Worker

Social Worker – Localities Team

Gloucestershire County Council

£42,000 – £47,000 per annum | £4,000 Welcome Bonus | £8,000 Relocation Package | Visa Sponsorship Transfers Available

Key Highlights

Permanent Social Worker opportunity

Salary between £42,000 and £47,000 per annum

£4,000 Welcome Bonus

Up to £8,000 Relocation Package Available

Skilled Worker Visa Transfer Sponsorship Available

Applications welcomed from Social Workers with a minimum of 2 years' post-qualified experience

Manageable caseloads and strong management support

Clear career progression and professional development opportunities

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Join a forward-thinking authority committed to excellent outcomes for children and families

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career with a local authority that genuinely invests in its workforce?

Gloucestershire County Council is seeking passionate and motivated Social Workers to join its Localities Service on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and supportive service where relationship-based practice, professional development, and positive outcomes for children are at the heart of everything they do.

Whether you are already based in the UK or looking to relocate, Gloucestershire offers an attractive package including a generous relocation allowance, welcome bonus, and visa sponsorship transfer opportunities for eligible candidates.

About Gloucestershire's Localities Service

The Localities Service works with children and families requiring ongoing statutory intervention and support. Social Workers manage a varied caseload across Child in Need, Child Protection, Public Law Outline, and care proceedings, providing direct support to children and families while ensuring risks are effectively managed and positive change is achieved.

The service is structured to allow practitioners to develop meaningful relationships with families and partner agencies, ensuring interventions are purposeful, timely, and focused on achieving sustainable outcomes.

You will join a collaborative and supportive team environment where managers are accessible, supervision is reflective, and professional judgement is valued.

Practice Model

Gloucestershire's Children's Services are underpinned by a relationship-based and strengths-led practice model, recognising that lasting change is achieved through effective partnerships with children, families, and communities.

The service promotes:

Building trusting and purposeful relationships with children and families

Understanding the child's lived experience and ensuring their voice influences decision-making

Working alongside families to identify strengths, resources, and protective factors

Reflective and restorative practice approaches

Evidence-informed assessments and interventions

Multi-agency collaboration to improve outcomes and reduce risk

Professional curiosity and analytical thinking in safeguarding practice

Timely permanence planning and outcome-focused intervention

Social Workers are encouraged to work creatively and confidently while receiving regular support and guidance from experienced managers and senior practitioners.

Key Responsibilities

Managing a caseload of children subject to Child in Need and Child Protection plans

Undertaking comprehensive child and family assessments

Completing statutory visits and maintaining effective direct work with children

Assessing risk and implementing safeguarding plans where necessary

Progressing cases through Public Law Outline and legal proceedings when required

Preparing high-quality court reports, assessments, and care plans

Participating in child protection conferences, core groups, reviews, and strategy meetings

Working closely with schools, health professionals, police, legal representatives, and community partners

Maintaining accurate case recording and ensuring compliance with statutory timescales

Supporting permanence planning and ensuring children achieve stable long-term outcomes

Candidate Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification

Registered with Social Work England

Minimum of 2 years' post-qualified experience within Children's Services

Experience managing Child in Need, Child Protection, and safeguarding cases

Strong understanding of UK children's legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and statutory guidance

Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills

Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency environment

Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families

International Applicants Welcome

Gloucestershire County Council welcomes applications from overseas Social Workers currently working in the UK who require a transfer of Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.

To be considered for sponsorship transfer opportunities, candidates should:

Hold current registration with Social Work England

Have a minimum of 2 years' post-qualified Social Work experience

Be currently sponsored and working within the UK

Demonstrate strong knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and statutory practice

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced practitioners seeking long-term career progression within a supportive local authority.

Why Join Gloucestershire County Council?

Competitive salary of £42,000 - £47,000 per annum

£4,000 Welcome Bonus

Up to £8,000 Relocation Package

Visa Sponsorship Transfer Available

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Supportive and approachable management team

Regular reflective supervision

Comprehensive learning and development programme

Career progression opportunities across Children's Services

Access to specialist training and development pathways

Strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance

Opportunity to live and work in one of the UK's most picturesque counties

If you're looking for a local authority that values your expertise, invests in your development, and supports you to deliver outstanding practice, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact

Josh Dhumisani

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Mobile: (phone number removed)

Email