Social Worker - Children & Families (Exeter & East)
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £40,444 - £48,738 per annum
We’re looking for experienced and passionate Social Workers to join our team in Devon.
Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to children and families, eligible new starters can receive a Welcome Payment of £5,000 and an annual Retention Payment of £2,000.
About Us
Join our Children & Families Service and help make a lasting difference to children, young people and families across Devon. You will work in a demanding but highly rewarding environment, supporting children in need, safeguarding those at risk, and contributing to legal proceedings and care arrangements. Using restorative practice, we build strong partnerships with families, recognise their strengths and work together to create safer, healthier and happier futures.
Based at County Hall, our Exeter Team is within easy reach of the city centre and benefits from free on-site parking, excellent transport connections and a friendly on-site café. Beyond work, Exeter combines the character of a historic cathedral city with vibrant shopping, dining and cultural attractions.
About the Role
As an Experienced Social Worker, you will bring confident professional practice to a fast-paced and demanding environment. You will manage a varied caseload, complete high-quality assessments and use creative, strengths-based approaches to support meaningful, long-term change for children, young people, families and carers.
About You
You will be a strong advocate for Devon’s children and young people, working creatively and flexibly to promote positive, lasting change and secure permanence from the outset. You will bring:
- Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models and theories relevant to children’s social work
- The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families and other professionals
- Experience in social care, including work within multi-agency and court environments
- A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
- A high level of written and verbal communication skills
Why Join Us?
Join us and you could receive a £5,000 welcome payment, subject to qualifying conditions. Alongside this valuable support when you start, we offer a strong package of benefits that recognises your contribution and supports your career and wellbeing:
- £5,000 Welcome payment. A valuable boost as you begin your career with us.
- £2,000 Retention payment per annum pro rata.
- Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
- Free onsite parking.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities through our Social Work Academy.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need support & a variety of employee well-being services.
- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible.
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
For more information about Working for Devon County Council please visit our Working for Devon page.
We welcome applications from internationally trained and qualified candidates who are now residing in the UK and interested in joining our team.
Thinking of relocating? Subject to qualifying conditions, you may also be eligible for a generous relocation allowance to help you make Devon your home.
For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contact Emma Youngs on 01392 383000, or email emma.youngs@devon.gov.uk
Ready to make a difference? Apply by 15th November 2026.
Interviews will take place throughout the campaign, so we encourage you to apply early. The advert may close before the published date if we receive sufficient applications.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click here to see the Job Description for Social Worker (Grade F)
Please click here to see the Job Description for Experienced Social Worker (Grade G)
Additional Information
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- 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.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
REQ010668 – Children’s Social Care