Plymouth City Council
Social Worker (Children's Disabilities Team)
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Social Workers - Children's Disabilities Team
2 x 37 hour positions (Full time, Permanent)
Grade H (£40,777-£45,091 per annum)
At the heart of this role is a commitment to helping children and young people with disabilities live happy, safe and fulfilling lives. As a Social Worker within the Children's Disabilities Team, you will build meaningful relationships with children, young people and their families, ensuring their voices, wishes and experiences shape the support they receive.
You will work alongside families and partner agencies to understand what matters most to each child, identifying strengths as well as needs, and helping children to access opportunities that enable them to thrive, achieve their potential and enjoy family and community life.
The role includes safeguarding children, providing statutory social work interventions, coordinating support and advocating for children and young people whose disabilities may impact on their daily lives.
Our Commitment to Children and Families
We Believe That Every Child Deserves To Be
- Safe and protected from harm.
- Listened to and understood.
- Valued for who they are.
- Included in their communities.
- Supported to achieve their aspirations and reach their full potential.
Our practice is built on strong relationships, compassion, respect and a belief in the strengths and resilience of children and families.
Key Responsibilities
Building Relationships with Children and Families
- Develop trusted and supportive relationships with children, young people and their families.
- Spend meaningful time with children, ensuring their wishes, feelings and experiences are understood and reflected in assessments and plans.
- Use creative and accessible communication methods to engage children with different communication needs.
- Recognise and celebrate children's strengths, achievements and aspirations.
Supporting Children to Thrive
- Assess the needs of children and young people with disabilities in a holistic and child-centred way.
- Work with families to identify what is working well and what support may be needed.
- Develop plans that promote children's wellbeing, independence, inclusion and life opportunities.
- Help children and families access support, services and resources that make a positive difference to their lives.
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Safeguarding Children
- Promote the safety and welfare of children at all times.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with legislation and local procedures.
- Undertake Child in Need, Child Protection and Care Planning work where required.
- Work collaboratively with families and professionals to reduce risk and improve outcomes for children.
Working Together
- Build positive partnerships with education, health services, SEND teams, therapists, voluntary organisations and other professionals.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes where appropriate.
- Ensure families receive coordinated and effective support through multi-agency working.
- Advocate for children and families to ensure their needs are understood and met.
Supporting Transitions and Future Aspirations
- Support young people and their families as they prepare for adulthood.
- Work alongside Adult Social Care and partner agencies to ensure smooth and effective transitions.
- Encourage independence, life skills development and positive future planning.
- Help young people to identify and pursue their goals, hopes and ambitions.
Professional Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate, timely records.
- Complete assessments, plans and reports to a high professional standard.
- Participate in supervision, learning and continuous professional development.
- Work in accordance with Social Work England Professional Standards and relevant legislation.
- Contribute to a positive team culture where learning, reflection and collaboration are valued.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Social Work qualification recognised by Social Work England.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
Essential Experience
- Experience of working with children, young people and families.
- Experience of undertaking assessments and care planning.
- Experience of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Experience of partnership and multi-agency working.
Essential Skills And Qualities
- Ability to build warm, respectful and effective relationships with children and families.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication to meet individual needs.
- A genuine commitment to listening to and amplifying the voice of the child.
- Effective assessment, planning and analytical skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and creatively to overcome barriers.
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
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Desirable
- Experience of working with children and young people with disabilities and complex needs.
- Knowledge of SEND processes and legislation.
- Experience of transition planning and preparation for adulthood.
What Success Looks Like
Successful Social Workers in our Children's Disabilities Team are passionate advocates for children and young people. They are curious, compassionate and committed to building strong relationships that help children feel heard, understood and valued.
They work alongside families, recognising strengths and celebrating achievements, while ensuring children receive the right support at the right time to enable them to live their best possible lives.
"Every child has their own unique strengths, talents and aspirations. Our role is to listen, support and help create opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to flourish."
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List
For more information regarding this role, please contact Nicola Rowley on Nicola.rowley@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
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