Social Worker – Under 16s Team

Company: Buckinghamshire Council
Apply for the Social Worker – Under 16s Team
Location: Aylesbury
Job Description:

Overview

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

In the Children in Care teams, we support children and young people once a decision has been made that children need to live away from their family home. We support children and young people achieve permanence via Adoption, Special Guardianships and Long‑Term Fostering. We also support all elements of children and young people’s care plans, including preparing them for adulthood. The children and young person are at the heart of everything we do.

This is a career graded role, for those appointed to Grade 7, in addition to the advertised salary, you will receive a market premium of £2,750 per annum. You will also be entitled to a Golden Hello payment of £2,125 after 1 year of service (Grade 7 external candidates only).

About the Role

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

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

Key aspects of the role include

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

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

About You

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

You’ll hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Experience working with vulnerable children and families is important, alongside an enthusiasm for continuous development. A full driving licence and an enhanced DBS check are required, along with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently with members of the public.

Legal requirements

  • All unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
  • All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975).

Benefits

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

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Posted: July 6th, 2026