Children's Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team
- Devon
- Full Time
- £39,862 - £44,075 p.a
Great social work starts with great assessment, and in Devon, our Kinship Assessment Service brings that practice to life every day
Due to the expansion of our Kinship Assessment Service, we’re excited to introduce newly created Assessing Social Worker roles within our growing, high-profile team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing, high-profile service at the centre of both national reform and Devon’s ambition to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
Build your assessment expertise in Devon’s Kinship Assessment Service
If you’re passionate about providing a high-quality assessment service and are interested in gaining more experience in a service that genuinely values your development, this is the role for you.
Why join our Kinship Assessment Service?
Kinship care is a national and local priority, and our Kinship Assessment Teams play a vital role in enabling children to grow up safely within their family and friendship networks. This is meaningful, impactful work where your assessments directly shape children’s futures.
You’ll step into a role that is:
- Diverse and intellectually stimulating – no two assessments are the same
- Highly analytical – perfect for developing your professional judgement and decision-making
- Practice-focused – strengthening your report writing and assessment expertise
- Purpose-driven – supporting children to remain within their families wherever it is safe to do so
A genuinely supportive team
Our well-established Kinship Assessment Teams are proud to be part of a close-knit, supportive service where people truly look out for one another. Our practitioners:
- Work collaboratively to support peers and share knowledge openly
- Learn together and support each other’s growth
- Are committed to reflective practice and continuous improvement
- Take pride in maintaining high professional standards
When you join our Kinship Assessment Service, you’ll be part of a welcoming, supportive team of passionate and skilled practitioners, all working collaboratively towards a shared goal — achieving the very best outcomes for children and families across Devon.
Click here to view the Job Description
Grow your career with us
This is an exciting time to join. Our service has recently expanded, creating new opportunities to develop and progress within a forward-thinking team.
We offer:
- A clear development pathway into Advanced Social Worker roles and beyond
- Opportunities to specialise in kinship assessment practice
- Support to build your leadership capability and professional influence
- A culture that is both ambitious and nurturing
Assessment skills are fundamental to social work practice and this role provides an excellent platform to refine and elevate your expertise in a supportive, high-performing environment.
To find out more about joining in our Kinship Assessment Team, or for an informal chat, please contact Team Managers, Mike Wilkinson (mike.wilkinson@devon.gov.uk) and Zoe Shields (zoe.shields@devon.gov.uk).
This campaign closes on the 28 June 2026 - Please be advised that we will be interviewing throughout this campaign. Therefore we encourage early applications as this vacancy may close sooner if we receive a high volume of interest.
Location and base - Kinship Assessment works county-wide, so the base will be one of our three main sites (listed below), depending on the preference of the successful applicants. There is some ability to work from home with a minimum of 3 days in the office which can be discussed ay interview.
- County Hall - Exeter
- Taw View, Barnstaple
- Follaton House, Totnes
Working at Devon County Council
In return for the vital contribution you’ll make, we offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase more
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Flexible working options, including hybrid working
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounts at 900+ retailers
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Additional Information
Devon County Council is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals who share our commitment to tackling inequality and promoting inclusion.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.
This role requires:
- Confidence and fluency in spoken English
- A suitable DBS disclosure
- A Full UK driving Licence and access to a vehicle **
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
For more information, please visit our Working for Devon page.
REQ009796 - Children's Social Care
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationDevon
- Work Postcode
TBC by candidate on appointment
- Reference
REQ009796
- Occupational GroupSocial Care & Health
- Salary Details
£39,862 - £44,075 p.a
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
27/06/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes