Social Worker - Children in Care

Salary: £37,035 - £44,711 + £3000 retention bonus

Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.

So, if you’re up for the challenge we’d love to hear from you!

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? Join our dedicated team in Bradford as a Child in Care Social Worker and help shape the future of young lives.

Bradford Children and Families Trust has restructured its Children in Care service to span ages 0–18, creating three new teams, totalling 10 children in care teams that provide greater continuity and better outcomes for children..

Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. Working here means you'll be part of a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children. As we grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us. Our recent Ofsted report acknowledges our progress, with improvements exceeding expectations ahead of time. Our senior leadership team is permanent and committed to providing stability and continuity within the organization. Their consistent presence ensures that our strategic vision and values are upheld, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care. 

As a Child in Care Social Worker, you will

• Support and advocate for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Develop and implement care plans tailored to each child's needs.
• Collaborate with families, foster carers, and other professionals to provide holistic support.
• Monitor and review the progress of children in care, making adjustments to care plans as needed.
• Provide emotional and practical support to children, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience.

Key Responsibilities

You will work to achieve permanency and outstanding outcomes for children and young people through relationship-based practice.

Working with partners, you will identify what children, and their families need to make lasting positive change and support children and young people to achieve permanence, whether this be in the care of the Trust, reunification with their parents or extended family.

Writing high-quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.

Care plans will be implemented, reviewed and remain SMART and in line with the children and young people’s views, ensuring a clear focus on their needs and permanence.

Completing direct work, including life story work to ensure the children and young people’s voice is heard and included in all decision making.

Essential Requirements you will need

• A DIPSW or equivalent qualification and are registered with the Social Work England as a qualified social worker.
• Have a full driving license and car available for work (unless a disability prevents this).
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experienced and expert in managing the delivery of quality outcomes for children and young people.
• An ability to build strong relationships with children, their families, colleagues and partner agencies. 
• An ability to write high-quality reports and assessments and analyse information effectively.

Benefits

• Excellent local Government pension 
• Competitive salary and pay progression structure
• Real living wage as the minimum rate of pay
• Supportive carer and parental policies
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
• Supportive staff networks
• Access to Blue Light Card discounts
• Professional development/support
• Career progression
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement - 31 days and rises to max of 34 days with service. (plus, public holidays)
• Social Worker Registration fees paid
• Flexible working / hybrid options subject to service need