Children's Social Worker - Viability Assessment, Kinship
- Multiple Locations
- Full Time
- £38,626 - £42,708
We are seeking Assessing Social Workers with the dedication and skill to support and advocate for the Children & Young People in Devon within the Kinship Assessment Service – Viability Assessment Team. 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 assessment 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.
We particularly welcome applications from workers covering North and Mid/east areas of Devon.
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
- A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
Working in Children’s Social Care at Devon County Council
We're proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for children and families in Devon. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are supported by our ambitious culture.
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
- Generous annual leave
- Free onsite parking.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
For more information about Working and Living in Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact our Team Managers:
Emma Briggs (Emma.Briggs@devon.gov.uk) or Zoe Shields (zoe.shields@devon.gov.uk )
Applications close on 20 July 2025 and applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates upon shortlisting.
Internal Applicants: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please Note: At this time, we are only accepting applications from candidates who are currently residing in the UK and are unable to consider overseas applications.
Interviews may take place throughout our recruitment campaign, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment as we may close the advert early.
Additional Information
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
REQ008121 - Children's Social Care
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationExeterNorth DevonMid DevonSouth Devon
- Work Postcode
Various
- Reference
REQ008121
- Occupational GroupSocial Care & Health
- Salary Details
£38,626 - £42,708
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
19/07/2025
- DBS Check Required
Yes