Newly Qualified Social Worker (ASYE)

• Children in need, including children with disabilities.
• Children subject to Child Protection Plans
• Children Looked After and Care Leavers

Qualified Social Workers deliver statutory services, hold case responsibility, and work closely with multi‑agency partners, in line with Social Work England professional standards.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Carry out high‑quality, child‑centred assessments of need and risk to keep children and young people safe.
• Build trusted relationships with children and families to understand their lived experiences and promote positive change.
• Use strengths‑based, relational and trauma‑informed practice to engage families effectively.
• Manage a caseload of children with varying levels of need and complexity, responding to referrals from multiple sources.
• Develop, review, and deliver care plans and evidence‑based interventions that reflect the child’s voice and best interests.
• Complete statutory assessments, reviews, and reports, ensuring compliance with legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Identify, assess, and escalate safeguarding risks promptly where required.
• Work closely with partner agencies including health, education, police, housing, and the voluntary sector to deliver coordinated support.
• Prepare clear, timely reports and information for managers, partner agencies, and the courts.
• Maintain accurate, high‑quality case records and contribute to effective quality assurance processes.
• Take part in duty cover, multi‑agency meetings and partnership working as required.
• Promote equality, diversity, and children’s rights, and commit to continuous professional development.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

Essential:

• Possession of recognised Social Care Qualification – Degree in Social Work, Dip SW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, obtained within the last four years.
• A valid UK driving licence is required, as you will need to travel to different locations in order to undertake the duties of the role.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• We want our NQSWs to have high aspirations and a willingness to learn and develop.
• Portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievements against the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers.
• Knowledge and understanding of social care practice in line with Social Work England standards, relevant legislation, and issues affecting the client group.
• Understanding of social care resources and provision available beyond statutory agencies
• Relevant multi-disciplinary social care experience appropriate to the role
• Evidence of effective partnership working with other agencies, including social care, health, voluntary and/or education services
• Ability to work effectively with children, young people, families, and partner organisations.
• IT skills to accurately input, manage and retrieve information.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English in line with statutory requirements.

Desirable:

• Awareness of government guidance and legislative changes across a broad range of social service issues
• A range of experience working with the relevant client group.

Additional Information

If you are relocating to Somerset in order to take up a position as a Newly Qualified Social Worker, you may be eligible for a relocation allowance. Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship. Once you have completed your ASYE, the support does not stop there as you will have access to mentor support for your second year along with high quality, mindful supervision. The Assessment Centre will take place on 5 August 2026 in Taunton.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Kathryn Andrews at Kathryn.Andrews@Somerset.gov.uk Job reference number 873/HC Job Description linked here AG0608 Social Worker 2025.pdf