Children's Social Worker - Viability Assessment Team
- Exeter, North Devon, South Hams
- Full Time
- £39,862 - £44,075 p.a
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Assessing Social Worker to join our Viability Assessment Team in Kinship, where you’ll play a key frontline role in identifying and supporting children and young people across Devon. Make a real impact—do it for Devon!
Our Kinship Assessment Service plays a key role in supporting Devon County as a corporate parent for children and young people who cannot live with their own families.
Comprised of three teams covering Exeter & East Devon, North & Mid Devon and South Devon, the Kinship Service is responsible for the assessment of kinship carers, special guardians and connected carers, all working towards securing the best possible outcomes for children and young people in our care.
About the Role
As an Assessing Social Worker in the Viability Assessment Team, you will be responsible for the completion of viability assessments to assess suitability of potential kinship carers. This is a fast paced role which requires travel across Devon and out of county as required. Alongside this, you will be providing regular supervision and support to temporarily approved kinship foster carers and completing other assessment work as required.
This is a challenging and rewarding role within a vibrant service that places children and families at the centre of everything we do. Working to regulatory requirements, we strive to provide a high-quality service for children and their families with robust assessments that support permanent decisions for children.
Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, you will model social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations. You will champion restorative practice and encourage a collaborative culture, where opportunities for reflection and learning are supported.
Your skills and experience will include:
- A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- Experience of working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment, with knowledge of fostering regulations
- A high-level of written and verbal communication skills*
- The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
- Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
- Exceptional recording and planning skills
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
Click here to see the Job Description
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 Viability Assessment Team, or for an informal chat, please contact Team Manager, Emma Briggs (emma.briggs@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.
REQ009909 - Children's Social Care
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationExeterNorth DevonSouth Hams
- Work Postcode
Dependent on successful applicant
- Reference
REQ009909
- 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