Location: United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: £37,938 – £39,513 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Visa Sponsorship: Available (UK-Based Candidates Only)
Are you a passionate and dedicated social worker looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact on children and families? Bedford Borough Council is seeking Qualified Social Workers to join our Children’s Services team, where you will play a key role in protecting and empowering children, young people, and families.
We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, ongoing training, and a clear career development path. If you share our commitment to delivering high-quality social work services, this could be the perfect role for you.
Why Work with Bedford Borough Council?
Bedford Borough Council is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Our recent Ofsted inspection rated us as a GOOD service, recognizing our skilled staff, supportive leadership, and relationship-based practice model.
Here’s why you should consider joining us:
1. Competitive Salary & Financial Incentives
- Base Salary: £37,938 – £39,513 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
- Market Rate Supplement: Additional £6,000 per year (subject to annual review)
- Welcome Payment:
- £10,000 after successful probation (for specific teams)
- £6,000/£4,000 for other teams
- Retention Bonus: £2,000 after 4 years of service
- £25 annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) voucher
2. Visa Sponsorship & Work Authorization
- Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) available for UK-based candidates
- Unfortunately, we cannot consider overseas applicants requiring visa sponsorship at this time
3. Career Development & Training
- Three CPD days per year for professional growth
- Monthly training sessions on systemic practice and other key areas
- Personalized career development plan tailored to your goals
- Opportunities for career progression within the council
4. Employee Support & Well-Being
- Monthly personal supervision sessions focused on well-being
- Case supervision and support from experienced managers
- Dedicated well-being sessions led by the Bedfordshire Well-Being Service
- Access to external clinical supervision for frontline staff
- Manageable caseloads based on experience and post-qualifying practice
Your Role as a Qualified Social Worker
As a Qualified Social Worker in Children’s Services, you will work closely with children, young people, and families to support their well-being and help them navigate complex challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide support and protection for vulnerable children and families
- Develop and implement care plans tailored to each family’s needs
- Conduct assessments, home visits, and intervention planning
- Collaborate with health professionals, schools, and community services to ensure the best outcomes
- Maintain accurate case records and prepare reports for legal proceedings if required
- Support children and families in making positive, sustainable changes
- Promote a relationship-based, systemic practice model
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking compassionate, skilled, and dedicated social workers who are ready to make a real impact.
Essential Requirements
- Degree in Social Work or an equivalent qualification
- Registration with Social Work England
- Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) or at least one year of post-qualifying experience in children’s social care
- Experience relevant to the Children’s Services team you are applying for
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with families and professionals
- Commitment to making a positive difference in children’s lives
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Familiarity with systemic practice and relationship-based social work
- Experience handling complex caseloads
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively
How We Support Our Social Workers
At Bedford Borough Council, we understand that social work is a challenging yet rewarding profession. We are committed to ensuring you receive the training, supervision, and support needed to thrive in your role.
Supportive Work Environment
- Regular one-on-one supervision with experienced managers
- Open-door policy with senior leaders and team managers
- Collaborative approach to complex case decision-making
Work-Life Balance & Benefits
- Flexible working options
- Employee well-being initiatives
- Opportunities for career advancement within the council
How to Apply
If you are a qualified and passionate social worker, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!