Salary £36,363 - £46,142 Per annum | Permanent| Full Time - 37 hours per week
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship
About us...
Lancashire County Council Children's Services is a progressive and innovative place, embracing strengths-based approaches and the Family Safeguarding model of practice. There are a range of exciting opportunities available across our social work teams. It's an excellent time to join us and be part of our journey.
As one of the largest local authorities in the country, we offer a diverse and evolving range of services, creating excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development. We know that effective practice starts with the right support, and we are proud to have a dedicated management team that shares our values and aspirations. Our managers are committed to providing the guidance, encouragement and challenge you need to thrive in your role.
The Family Safeguarding model underpins our practice, and a strengths-based approach is embedded across all our teams. We work collaboratively with children, young people and families to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.
About the role...
Within the Children with Disabilities Service, we are passionate about improving the lives of children with severe and profound disabilities and their families. We embrace creative planning and place children at the centre of everything we do, while recognising the importance of a whole-family approach.
This specialist social work service offers the opportunity to build long-term relationships with children and families from birth to age 18, and up to 25 for our care leavers. Through relationship-based practice, you will empower families to overcome challenges, develop resilience and achieve positive outcomes. No two days are the same, and every day presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
What You’ll Do…
As part of this dedicated team, you will undertake a wide range of social work responsibilities, including:
- Completing assessments and developing plans.
- Providing direct work with children and families.
- Supporting Children in Need, Children in Our Care and Care Leavers.
- Undertaking safeguarding and court work.
- Completing Mental Capacity Assessments and Court of Protection work.
- Leading complex multi-agency planning and intervention.
You will work closely with a wide range of professionals, including consultants, psychiatrists, specialist nurses, children's hospices, community health services, tertiary healthcare providers and education settings.
You will also work collaboratively as part of the corporate parenting network to ensure that children in our care achieve positive outcomes and receive the support they need as they transition into adulthood.
Our approach is strengths-based and child-centred, focusing on each child's unique abilities, aspirations and potential. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we work creatively to help them achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.
While the role can be complex and challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. You will have the privilege of supporting children, young people and families through important stages of their lives and making a lasting difference to their futures.
Who We’re Looking For
We're looking for Social Workers and Senior Social Workers who demonstrate:
Passion
Creative, child-centred practice and a genuine commitment to helping children and families achieve their aspirations.
Resilience
The ability to manage challenges, make difficult decisions and remain focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
Supportiveness
Strong communication skills, a collaborative approach and a commitment to supporting and developing others.
Forward Thinking
A willingness to contribute ideas, embrace innovation and help shape the future development of the service.
Aligned Values
A commitment to being supportive, innovative, respectful, dedicated and collaborative in everything you do.
Why Join Us?
- Benefits: We offer exceptional flexibility and the opportunity to create a work-life balance that works for you. You'll receive 26 days' annual leave, rising to 32 days with tenure plus 10 statutory/bank holidays and an additional 20 days that can be purchased too. An Employee Assistance Programme for your family and yourself plus a generous Local Authority Pension available. Finally, we have an enviable employee benefits platform which provides numerous discounts from your weekly shop to holidays and entertainment with salary sacrifice options on electronics, bicycles, white goods, and cars.
- Development: we'll provide support and development at each stage of your journey with us from induction through to personal and professional qualifications. There will be opportunities for career progression both vertically but also into other areas of the organisation if you wish. There will be time for reflection and interaction with your line manager, as well as peer support from those within the wider team.
- Inclusivity: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and have support groups available for everyone.
- Our Commitment: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and manageable caseloads. With national funding, we are enhancing our service by reducing caseloads, providing excellent training, and expanding our service offerings to positively impact Lancashire’s children and families.
- Training and Development: New recruits will attend our established Social Work Academy, which includes an extensive induction programme, regular recall days, and training for ASYE social workers. Our Practice Development Managers lead this Academy, ensuring high standards of practice.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website.
We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Job Description/Person Specification
Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.
If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.
Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.
