Social work jobs

Team Leader

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Team Leader to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Waltham Forest. No personal care or experience is required, just the right values.

£32,165.63 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

As a Team Leader , you will be expected to undertake duties as part of the management team which include supporting the team with their responsibilities whilst working flexibly to respond to the needs of applicants referred to the project from our local authority.

This role will require either an extra dimension of experience or have/be working towards a higher qualification level in order to meet the role specific competences for this position.

You will work flexible to respond to emerging needs and effectively address the needs of the customer case load. This role will include shift working including weekends and at time late shifts depending on service needs.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

• Post-holders will be required to demonstrate strengths in all the indicators set out in the relevant Look Ahead Management Competency Model. More specifically, the post-holder will:
• Undertake staff line management including supervisions, case work management assigned to the Team Leader
• Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions
• Work closely with therapist in developing and implementing Complex Case Discussion plans
• Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
• Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community
• Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
• Work closely with Contract Manager in all management related matters including recruitment, staff supervisions, team meetings, etc

The above sets out the post's key responsibilities. The post holder will be required to undertake various tasks and duties to ensure that these key responsibilities are effectively met.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, networks in local business community.
• Approachable and open behaviour.
• Prefers working as part of a group or team.
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• At least two year of relevant sector work experience and at least one year experience leading and managing a team
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
• Demonstrable experience of supporting vulnerable adults with enduring mental health diagnosis.

Desirable:

• Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications.
• Experience in housing sector

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date

Communications Manager 

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to help bring our mission and impact to life.

Reporting to the Head of Communications & Transformation, you’ll lead on high-quality, engaging communications that support our programmes, partnerships and organisational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering social media content and managing day-to-day channels
• Producing compelling written, visual and video content, including impact case studies
• Copywriting for our website, email campaigns and publications
• Delivering internal communications to support colleague engagement
• Supporting stakeholder communications and marketing campaigns
• Developing and implementing brand assets 

About you

You’ll be an experienced communications professional, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities. You’ll bring creativity, strong organisational skills and a passion for social impact.

Essential experience includes:

• Experince of working in an internal communications-based role
• Excellent planning and project managemetn skills
• Strong writing, editing and visual content skills
• Experience managing social media channels
• Video editing skills (Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience with email platforms such as Campaign Monitor (or similar)

For full details of the role and our rewards and benefits package, please view the candidate pack.

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob with your CV and a cover letter.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 5 May at 9am
Interviews: Interviews are intended to take place week commencing 18 May

Youth Outreach Practitioner – Glasgow  

Salary: Up to £32k 

Hours: Full time 

Location: Glasgow  

Contract: Permanent  

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Around the world hundreds of thousands of children struggle to survive on the streets. In many countries, they have become an accepted issue in society, deprived of access to the most basic services and they experience extreme harm before and during their time on the streets.

Wherever they may be in the world, they face violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

Founded in 1996, Railway Children has dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for street connected children. With projects in the UK, India and Tanzania, we aim to reach these children as soon as they are in danger and intervene before an abuser can.  As we embark on our new strategy to 2030, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work. 

The role 
We are looking for a Youth Outreach Practitioner for our Glasgow team and are keen to receive applications from those living in and around the City of Glasgow.  You’ll be part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s programme in the UK, in partnership with British Transport Police (BTP).  

As a Youth Outreach Practitioner, you’ll play a key role in keeping children safe from harm by engaging in patrols to identify and safeguard young people (aged 10-17) at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown.  

You will also work closely with our Youth Practitioner, supporting a number of young people who have been identified or referred for 1-1 direct support.

Both aspects of the role will involve working directly with young people and their families to reduce risks, as well as building strong relationships other social care, Police, third sector agencies and local services in the area.  

Your base would be near to Glasgow Central Station with regular travel between the station and working in the boroughs of North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Renfrewshire. This role involves some evenings and weekend hours.   

About you 

You will have experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people and families as well as working in an outreach or similar setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.   

A relevant qualification in an appropriate discipline in working with children and families, community or youth work or equivalent experience is desirable. Alongside this relevant training in safeguarding and/or issues relevant to vulnerable young people and families is essential.

You will need to have experience of providing front line support to safeguard some of the most vulnerable young people in the UK.

Experience of developing productive relationships/partnerships with a variety of organisations such as 3rd sector group, local services and statutory services such a social care to support the needs of vulnerable young people and families is a must.

A full person specification can be found in the job pack.  

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience. 

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed. 

Closing Date: Sunday 10th May at 5pm 

1st interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 21st May 2026

2nd interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 

Who we are

Social AF are experts in Social Media Moderation, supporting some of the UK’s most recognised charities to manage high-volume, high-risk online communities with care, consistency and expertise. Established in 2021, we work with some of the biggest names in the third sector.

Our reputation for delivering an excellent social media moderation service has helped the company grow at a rapid pace. Our services include: 

• Social media moderation

• Facebook group moderation

• Supporter experience

We work at the frontline of charity communications, helping organisations engage their audiences, protect their communities and respond to sensitive issues in real time.

About the role

We’re looking for experienced social media and communications professionals to join our freelance moderation team.

Our moderators support a range of charity partners, working across always-on activity as well as high-profile campaigns and appeals. You’ll act as the voice of each organisation — engaging with supporters, answering queries, and ensuring conversations are managed safely and effectively.

This role is well suited as a flexible, additional source of income. Most of our moderators are freelancers or consultants working alongside other roles.

Working pattern

Moderation takes place between 9am and 9pm, Monday to Sunday.

Rather than working in one continuous block, you’ll complete your hours in short check-ins across the day to maintain coverage and meet response time targets.

Each account is allocated a set number of ‘active moderation hours’ per day (e.g. 2-3 hours), which are spread across multiple sessions.

For example, 3 hours may be split into 5-6 check-ins throughout the day.

You must be able to:

• Start moderation from 9am (or earlier)

• Monitor activity throughout the day

• Complete a final check before 9pm

• Adhere to our sub-3-hour response time

Please note: In your first month, you will typically start on fewer accounts and hours (approx. 3 per day) while you get up to speed. Hours usually increase from month two onwards.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the voice of our charity partners, consistently applying their tone of voice and brand guidelines

• Respond to comments, messages and queries in a timely, accurate and empathetic way

• Maintain a response time of under three hours

• Identify, manage and de-escalate negative or inappropriate content

• Hide or remove content in line with moderation policies

• Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns appropriately

• Signpost users to relevant support services where needed

• Encourage positive engagement and supporter action, including donations where appropriate

• Work across a range of moderation tools e.g. Sprout Social, Meta Business Suite, Agorapulse, Brandwatch

• Manage your workload independently while following clear processes and guidance

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Minimum 3 years’ professional communications experience, working in-house for a charity or non-profit

• Proven experience moderating social media channels

• Excellent written communication skills, with strong attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively across multiple check-ins

• Confidence in making judgement calls using guidance rather than scripts

• Understanding of fundraising and how charities engage supporters

• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-volume or sensitive situations

• Availability to work 3-6 days per week, including at least one weekend day

• Flexibility to adapt quickly if issues arise

Desirable

• Experience using moderation and social media management tools e.g. Sprout Social, Meta, Agorapulse, Brandwatch

What our moderators say:

“I love the flexibility of the role. The team are great and very supportive, but the flexibility allows you to still do things whilst working.” - Megan

“Working with Social AF has been so rewarding, I’ve been able to work with some amazing national charity partners. The team are so friendly and the flexibility has been really beneficial for my work-life balance.” - Sarah

Interviews: w/c 11th May

Compulsory training: 26th May - 10am - 4pm

Start date: w/c 1st June

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

About the role

The Social Media Executive sits in the Media & Communications’ team and plays a key role in elevating Spear’s brand and mission by producing engaging, story-driven digital content, with a strong focus on video, for social platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This role centres on amplifying the voices and experiences of young people on the Spear Programme, creating authentic content that inspires audiences including young people, supporters and corporate partners.

Based in London, but working with colleagues across Spear Centres nationwide, the Social Media Executive will create engaging content in line with our social media strategy. Working from concept to filming, editing, and performance analysis, this role will also empower coaches, alumni and ambassadors to produce user-generated content. The role requires creativity, adaptability to digital trends, and strong relationship-building skills to capture impactful stories.

Key information:

• Salary: from £27,000 pro rata 
• Contract: 4 days a week, 10 months fixed term 
• Location: London Office with regional travel 
• Closing date: Friday 27th April, 09.00am (we interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate)
• For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• A passion for storytelling and sharing good news.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with a range of people and help them feel comfortable on camera or in interviews
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative content ideas that engage and inspire our audience. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt tone and style to different platforms and audiences. 
• Organisational skills – the ability to plan your time, competing projects and travel. 
• Around two years' experience in a related role (eg marketing, videography, communications) or experience as a content creator in another capacity.
• Skilled in video making on a smartphone, including shooting and editing. Experience in video editing software such as iMovie or Final Cut Pro a bonus. 
• (Desirable) experience working directly with young people.

Spectra’s Family Support Social Worker will provide frontline support to people living with HIV in South West London. These will include assessment, emotional support, advice and advocacy around housing, benefits or immigration. They will also facilitate signposting and refer service users into internal and external services including Counselling, Peer support, as well as other linked-in services.

Work in this post requires a social work qualification with demonstrable knowledge of social work models and interventions including strengths-based practice models. Contact with the individuals, their families, representatives of professional and community groups and the general public is a significant aspect of this post.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Community and Social Value Officer to join our team at Enable! 

About Us: 

Enable is a charity dedicated to improving people's wellbeing and strengthening local communities. We work with councils, charities and other local organisations to deliver health, leisure, community services and events that enrich people’s lives and strengthen our local community.

At Enable, we value our employees and our culture, focusing on embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive, flexible and fun environment for employees to perform at their best. On top of a competitive salary and flexible working environment, employees will also receive:

Benefits: 

• 30 days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Life Insurance
• Reward Schemes (RewardHub Membership, wellbeing budgets and cycle to work)
• A variety of social and wellbeing activities each month
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Perks (Monthly talks, Wellbeing Hour, etc)
• Gym Membership

Role Title: Community and Social Value Officer 
Reports to: Community and Social Value Manager
Based: Staff Yard, Battersea Park
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Work Arrangement: 40 hours per week, Hybrid/Office

Role Overview: 

Reporting to the Community and Social Value Manager and joining the Community and Social Value Team, the postholder will work internally to support Enable services’ community work and externally to develop relationships and build capacity.

Internally, you will be working alongside Heads of Service and managers to support and expand the community work and social impact in services. This includes developing new projects, supporting volunteering, and leading on demonstrating Enable’s social impact in the 
community. Externally, you will develop relationships and partnerships with a wide range of voluntary and community organisations, corporate business and statutory organisations helping to link to Enable’s services and build capacity in the community.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:  

• Supporting Enable Services – working directly with each service to add capacity and expertise to develop and improve Enable’s community impact.   
• Social Value and Impact Measurements – leading the improvement of our social value and impact measurement work, in particular how our services measure impact, using different data collection techniques and developing regular case studies. 
• Developing data capturing techniques to regularly record data and track the organisations social value impact. 
• Volunteering – leading Enable’s volunteering offer including Enable’s staff volunteering programme, Community Enablers. In addition to increase volunteering opportunities across each service including the creation of volunteer roles and being a key resource for centralised support for recruitment, training and volunteer reward and recognition. 
• Community Engagement – developing relationships with local voluntary community sector organisations and understanding local need, challenges and inequalities. 
• Capacity Building – support the development and delivery of Enable’s capacity building support to small charities and voluntary organisations, including advice, funding support, monitoring and working closely with the local voluntary sector partnership. 
• Innovation and research – develop new ideas and initiatives to improve Enable’s impact and ability to connect communities.
• Support Enable’s strategy and ambitions to grow by highlighting our impact, providing case studies, supporting funding applications and tenders.
• Lead the writing and production of the annual Impact Report. 
• Champion community and social value work within the organisation 
• Represent Enable at conferences and events and confidently presenting Enable’s work. 
• Any other relevant duties as described by the Community and Social Value Manager 

Skills and Experience:  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience networking and forming meaningful working relationships, with the ability to motivate and engage staff and relevant stakeholders 
• Understanding of social value and impact measurement. 
• Ability and confidence to build rapport and develop relationships and partnerships 
• High level problem solving and decision-making skills with the ability to prioritize effectively
• Experience working with voluntary groups and an understanding of their challenges. 
• Experience working with volunteers (managing volunteers desirable) 
• Excellent writing skills for a wide range of needs e.g. report writing, newsletters, case studies etc.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to communicate a vision simply and effectively.   
• Ability to work independently and manage own workload.
• Experience in/understanding of local authorities and the community sector
• A passion for community and genuine desire to make a positive impact on the local Wandsworth community  
• Understanding of Enable departments and processes (desirable)

Gateway is a vibrant and powerful place of worship, offering a wide range of opportunities to grow in faith and build meaningful relationships. From dynamic Sunday services to midweek groups, youth events, men’s and women’s ministries, and young adults gatherings, there is something for everyone. We are passionate about being a church that serves and supports the whole family.

We are seeking a Social Media and Video Content Creator to help shape and communicate the heart and vision of Gateway Christian Centre through high-quality digital broadcast content.

This role involves working closely with Gateway’s Comms Associate Lead and senior leadership, helping to communicate events and campaigns, as well as the vision, ministry and ‘voice’ of Gateway church and campuses; through high-quality digital, broadcast and print content. 

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

Support Mentor

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Support Mentor

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). Please note that this service has no step free access.

Salary: £28,800

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week on a rota Monday to Sunday and will include bank holiday working, hours will range between 09:00 - 17:00 and 13:00 - 21:00. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and resident requirements. 

About the Role

Our residents in this service have experienced long-term street homelessness and have faced significant challenges including with their mental health, substance use, and alcohol dependency, and struggled to sustain engagement with support services. That's why they're here, to gain support for them make a change to enable greater independence and recovery.

In this role, as a Support Mentor, you will work within a 24 hour service which provided person centred support to our residents, working to ensure the safety and wellbeing. You will build trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins. Your role will focus on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals. 

Some Key Responsibilities Include:

• Create tailored support plans through one to one sessions, group sessions, and multi agency meetings.
• Support residents to achieve their desired goals/outcomes in various ways.
• Empower residents to make decisions to take control over their lives, by creating an enabling environment.
• Supporting residents to build independence and progress in their healing through engaging activities, from movie nights and arts and crafts to brunch club and fully funded day trips.
• Monitor residents’ wellbeing, carrying out regular welfare checks, and responding to any incidents or emergencies.
• Work closely with the rest of the team to provide overall excellent service delivery, this may mean also supporting with their caseloads, and other tasks as necessary.
• Keep support plans updated on our online portals as appropriate.
• Recognise signs of deteriorating mental health, physical health, or other health implications and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent crisis or other risks.

About You

We're looking for someone who has a true passion for what we do as an organisation, and particularly in supporting those who have faced homelessness and may have other complex needs. Our residents needs are at the forefront of service delivery, so someone who can build trusting professional relationships is key. You will be adaptable, proactive, and able to use your initiative to resolve challenges. You will be able to work within a team, and have previous knowledge of the needs our residents may have. Each support plan is tailored to the individual, putting their needs first for the team to be able to deliver support to their needs. 

What are we looking for:

• Understanding of the needs of those who have faced homelessness and have various complex needs including mental health, substance use, and alcohol dependency
• Ability to use IT systems to record case notes, email relevant people, and use other software required within the role
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Cultural awareness, Self-awareness, and ability to identify personal growth areas and take feedback
• Sensitivity and empathy to others, and ability to deal with individual circumstances with professionalism
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Close Date: 17th May 2026
Location:  Cross site - Erdington & Selly Park Hospices
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: Clinical Band 6, £37,002- £44,557
DBS Requirement: Enhanced

Make a meaningful difference where it matters most

At Birmingham Hospice, we support people living with life‑limiting illness to live as well as they can - and we walk alongside their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. We are now looking for a Specialist Palliative Care Social Worker to join our compassionate, expert team across our Erdington and Selly Park sites.

About the Role

As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, you will deliver high‑quality, person‑centred social work support to patients, families, carers and communities. You’ll provide skilled emotional, practical and safeguarding support, helping people navigate complex situations with dignity, empathy and professionalism this is in addition to supporting hospice staff.

Key responsibilities include:

· Delivering a coordinated family support service across both hospice sites

· Working closely with the Senior Social Worker and wider MDT to ensure holistic care

· Providing expert support around emotional wellbeing, care planning and practical needs

· Championing best practice in palliative and end‑of‑life care with internal and external partners

· Applying your expertise in safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and related legislation

· Completing assessments and applications for Social Care and Fast‑Track CHC packages to enable timely support

· Providing education around safeguarding, mental capacity and DOLS

About you:

· You’ll be a skilled, compassionate social worker who brings professionalism, warmth and integrity to your practice.

· Be a registered Social Worker with Social Work England (registration number required on application)

· Be a car owner and will hold a full, clean driving licence

· Be an authentic, open communicator who works inclusively and values diversity

· Have experience or a strong interest in working within palliative or end‑of‑life care settings

Why Join Us?

· Be part of a forward-thinking, values-driven charity

· Enjoy a generous benefits package including enhanced annual leave

· If coming from the NHS or another hospice continuous service benefits for pension and annual leave

· Make a real difference in people’s lives when they need it most

The hospice is committed to developing a dynamic and diverse team, representative of the communities it serves. We ask you, therefore, to complete the Equal Opportunities monitoring form to help us in this aim. We value each person as an individual – whether they are colleagues, patients, family members, carers or supporters, every person matters.

We embrace diversity of culture, background and environment knowing it enriches our workplace and our relationships with our local communities. We are committed to building a culture of inclusion and belonging. We would love to hear from you, about what makes you uniquely you and how this opportunity will support you to succeed.

Join Barnardo's North England Fostering Service as a Supervising Social Worker.

Barnardo's is one of the UK's leading children's charities, and our North England Fostering Service is committed to providing safe, nurturing, and supportive homes for children and young people. We are now seeking a passionate and skilled Supervising Social Worker to join our dedicated team.

North England service cover Yorkshire, Humber and the North East of England. The successful applicant must be willing to drive across this region as part of their role.

About the Role

As a Supervising Social Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting foster carers to provide high-quality care. You will:

• Supervise, support, and develop foster carers to ensure the best outcomes for children.
• Undertake assessments of prospective foster carers.
• Contribute to the matching process and foster home stability.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, carers, and professionals.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with regulatory requirements.
• Delivering training to foster carers
• Following induction period, join our out of hours rota

What We are Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

• A qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent) registered with Social Work England.
• Experienced in fostering or children's social care.
• Skilled in building strong, supportive relationships.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Able to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Supplementary Information

A professional Social Work qualification and SWE registration are essential for this post as is experience in Family Placement, Child Protection or work with children looked after.

The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving license that enables them to drive in the UK and have use of a car and business use insurance.  

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Benefits

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, in the community, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or depending on the role any combination of these. Please read through the advert carefully to understand the remits of hybrid working that will be specific to the role.

Barnardo's require colleagues to be UK residents, based in the UK and to complete their roles from within the UK (with the exception of colleagues providing Barnardo's services in Jersey and colleagues who live in the Republic of Ireland providing services in Northern Ireland)

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

About Barnardo's

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Our basis and values

Senior Supervising Social Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Salary: £42,032 per annum + £750 Homeworking Allowance per annum + £1,500 OOH allowance per annum (once on the rota)

Hours:  35 Hours per week

Contract - Fixed Term - 12 Months 

Location: Homebased - Somerset and Devon. Travel predominantly across Somerset and Devon, specifically from Bridgewater down the M5 to Exeter and the A380 to Torbay, for home visits to support carers and children, and to complete Form F assessments. Travel also requires the postholder to attend staff meetings and team away days. 

We are developing our services across the South -West and are seeking a motivated, passionate, and values-driven Senior SSW to support that development. This will include undertaking initial visits, completing Form F assessments, and supporting foster families post approval. There is potential for the post to become permanent with the successful growth across the area. 

As a ‘not for profit’ organisation, TACT puts the needs of our children and carers first and look to appoint individuals who are as passionate about fostering as we are. We are a homeworking organisation, and we pride ourselves on our flexible working opportunities, available from day one, an extensive wellbeing programme and our benefits package, all curated to nurture a healthy work life balance for all our employees so they can give an excellent service to our carers and the young people and children we care for.

As a foster care charity, TACT invests all surplus income into services, staff, carers, and child development. This means that we have been able to invest unique projects like TACT Connect, our unique and ground-breaking scheme for TACT care experienced young people and adults,  as well as our expanding TACT Education Service and our new Health Service. All our activities are built on our commitment to becoming a fully trauma informed organisation, in line with our key values and ethos.

TACT achieved 16th place in the UK Best Companies Work For survey results in 2023, with 91% of employees acknowledging that the organisation is run on strong values and principles and 94% stating they feel proud to work for this organisation.  

As a Fostering Senior Supervising Social Worker with TACT South West, you will be a part of our amazing team of professionals working with our organisational values at the heart of their everyday practice.

If you want to be valued as a professional, be appreciated at work and contribute to better outcomes for the children and young people connected with TACT, apply now. 

Overall Duties of the Senior Supervising Social Worker will include:

• An appropriate social work qualification
• Up-to-date registration with Social Work England
• A minimum of 2 years post-qualifying experience in fostering/family placements or other childcare settings
• Experience in supporting and supervising 10-12 foster families to meet the complex needs of the looked-after young people
• Undertaking Form F assessments where needed
• A proven track record in working with and on behalf of children, respecting and maintaining their individuality, and promoting their positive development.
• Experience in group work and/or delivery of training.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations including the Children's Act and NMS Fostering Standards.
• Experience of working with/supporting looked after children and their foster carers.
• Ability to prioritise, plan and self-organise efficiently.
• Capable of using electronic records systems and IT effectively, including participating in virtual meetings and webinars

TACT offer an excellent employee benefits package including:

• 31 days paid holiday plus annual bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements (including compressed hours, flexibility around core hours, volunteer days policy).
• Family friendly policies.
• Homeworking ‘bundle’ including annual allowance, IT equipment and a loan for home office set up.
• Help@Hand Employee Assistance Programme (including CBT counselling, 24/7 remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, mental health support and second opinions on serious diagnosis).
• An hour a week of live, expert led activities through the Annual Employee wellbeing Programme.
• Menopause Policy and free Menopause Clinician Appointments.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme (salary sacrifice).
• Fantastic learning and development opportunities for all roles.

An Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role and will be processed by TACT on your behalf.

• Closing Date: Sunday, 10th May 2026
• Interview: Monday, 18th May 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)

Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believes that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work.  As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications, and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children.  We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people.  All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies.

We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than advertised if the volume of applications is excessive, you are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.

TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies, nor the fees associated with them.

#LI-JO1

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

• Salary: £38,834
• 21 - 35 hours a week (Part time/full time hours available: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage)
• Up to 1 year fixed term contract (maternity cover)
• Hybrid working - home and hospital based – various possible locations available;
  • Bristol Childrens Hospital
  • Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
  • Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
  • Derriford Hospital Plymouth
  • Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
  • Royal Cornwall Hospital

• Closing date: Sunday 26 April 2026
• Interview dates:  W/C 4 May 2026

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Social Worker to support children and young people diagnosed with cancer in our South West Team. 

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families using a needs based assessment framework. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community.

This role is part home, part site-based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Hospital.

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application, an enhanced criminal record check will be completed. A previous conviction is not necessarily a barrier to employment. We encourage qualified applicants to apply, and we will consider each case individually.

This role is also subject to a Social Work Registration, with Social Work England.

What do I need? 

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
• Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
• An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

What will I gain?

 For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Craig Pearce.

#ShowTheSalary