Social Worker – Children & Families
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
02/10/2026
Advert End Date:
18/10/2026 23:59
Allowances:
£3,000 annual retention payment
Job Category:
Social Work - Children Service
Employment Location:
Stockton-on-Tees
Further Information
Make a difference. Feel supported. Thrive in your career.
At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we’re building a service where social workers can genuinely thrive. If you want to make a meaningful impact with the flexibility to shape your working week, this could be your next move.
We’re investing in strong practice, systemic approaches and high-quality support so our social workers can deliver excellent outcomes for children and families without compromising work-life balance.
A supportive culture you can feel
You’ll be part of small, friendly teams with:
- Consistent, visible managers
- Supportive supervision
- Realistic caseloads
- Time to build strong, long-term relationships with families
This is a space where good practice is recognised and nurtured.
A brilliant workplace
Our state-of-the-art riverside office offers:
- Free parking
- Modern collaborative spaces
- Wellbeing rooms
- On-site café
- Beautiful river views
About the Role
You’ll work with children, young people and families who require co-ordinated social care support. This includes children with Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, and those involved in PLO or court proceedings.
You will:
- Build meaningful, trusting relationships
- Exercise professional judgement
- Promote safety, stability and positive change
- Work closely with partner agencies
- Contribute to assessments, planning and direct work
We want practitioners who value curiosity, compassion, integrity and reflective practice.
It is anticipated that appointments will be made at Grade M of the career grade to maintain a skills balance within the team.
What We’re Looking For
To be considered, you will need:
- A recognised social work qualification
- Registration with Social Work England
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance
- Compassion, resilience and excellent communication skills
- Skilled in developing care plans and coordinating interventions that support positive outcomes.
- Experience collaborating with multi-agency partners.
- Use of policies and procedures in Social Work practice
- Experience promoting continuous service improvement and positive culture
What You’ll Get
- Career progression salary up to £48,738
- £3,000 retention payment
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 after 5 years service)
- Option to purchase extra leave
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- SWE registration paid
- Access to the Social Work Academy
- Regular training and shared learning
- Car lease scheme
- Employee discounts and wellbeing support
- Physiotherapy, counselling and online GP services
For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website:
Rewarding careers. We do that - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Interested? Want an informal chat first?
Contact: Steph Carter, Service Lead
01642 527936
Steph.Carter@stockton.gov.uk
We’re excited to hear from you.
We expect to hold interviews the week commencing 19 October. If you are shortlisted, you will be notified via North East Jobs.
Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.
Important Applicant Guidance
Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.
Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions): This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those which would normally be considered spent, subject to the filtering rules applicable under current legislation.
Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.
Council Principles: The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent.
Limitations: Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.