Job Title
Social Worker – Family Help – Central Locality
Salary
HC8 £36,363 – £40,777 (plus £5,000 market rate supplement per year £41,363 – £45,777) (in line with our Career Progression Pathway £40,777 – £45,091 for Senior Practitioner roles)
Welcome Payment
£10,000
Contract
Permanent
Hours
37
Location
Hereford
Relocation Package
Up to £10,000 available
Closing Date
02/08/2026
Introduction
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated qualified Social Worker to join our Family Help locality team. In this role, you will work closely with children, their families, colleagues across the Directorate, and partner agencies to deliver a range of support and intervention services aimed at promoting the wellbeing, safety, and positive outcomes of children with a Family Help plan.
You will play a key role in safeguarding children, working in partnership with the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) where concerns arise, and contributing to timely and effective protective interventions. The role requires a strong commitment to high‑quality practice within the statutory framework, including the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, and Working Together 2026, supporting the principles of the Families First Programme.
In line with our Social Work Progression Pathway, if you demonstrate through application form, interview and references that you meet the relevant competencies for Senior Practitioner, then you will be appointed at the respective level, dependent on skills and experience. This pathway also provides excellent support and progression for Social Workers in Herefordshire, providing a clear career route from entry to social worker to becoming a Senior Practitioner.
The Role
As a Social Worker within the Family Help team, you will play a vital role in supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes. Working within a locality‑based team, you will lead and manage a complex caseload, acting as the Family Help Lead Practitioner to deliver effective help, protection, and intervention.
You’ll assess needs, identify risks, and develop tailored Family Help Plans, working closely with partner agencies to ensure coordinated and multi‑agency support. The role includes chairing and contributing to key meetings such as Child in Need, core group, and strategy discussions, as well as undertaking risk assessments and safeguarding work when concerns arise.
You will build strong, restorative relationships with families and professionals, enabling meaningful change while promoting the safety and welfare of children, including those in the looked‑after system. Accurate recording, report writing (including court work), and contributing to decision‑making are key aspects of the role.
About You
Qualified Social Worker (Social Work Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) with current Social Work England registration and a strong commitment to ongoing professional development.
Experience of working with children and families in a statutory social care setting, with a solid understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and relevant legislation and guidance. Confident in assessing risk, analysing complex family dynamics, and delivering effective interventions that support children to remain safely within their families wherever possible.
Skilled communicator, able to build trusted relationships with children, families, and multi‑agency professionals. Ability to listen, observe, and engage with empathy, enabling restorative work and meaningful difference.
Organised and resilient, capable of managing demanding workload, maintaining accurate records, and producing clear high‑quality reports. Confident using IT systems and committed to delivering high standards of practice.
Strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families while working collaboratively and upholding values of trust, honesty, responsibility, inclusivity, and empathy.
We Offer
- Salary range of £36,363 – £40,777 per annum (£40,777 – £45,091 for Senior Practitioner roles)
- Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum
- Welcome Payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)
- Retention payment: £2,000 – £4,000 depending on team
- Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
- Professional development: protected time and budget to develop yourself and your career
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. Purchase additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including possible job‑sharing, part‑time hours, and agile working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Benefits: access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits (savings, cash back, discounts)
Contact
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk.
EEO and Equality
We confirm that the role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.
Sponsorship
We can provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for successful candidates who are already living in the UK and have a minimum of two years’ UK‑based experience in the relevant team or discipline. No overseas visa sponsorship at this time.
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