Social Worker – Children & Families

Make a difference. Feel supported. Thrive in your career.

At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, were building a service where social workers can genuinely thrive. If you want to make a meaningful impact with the flexibility to shape your working week, this could be your next move.

Were investing in strong practice, systemic approaches and high-quality support so our social workers can deliver excellent outcomes for children and families without compromising work-life balance.

A supportive culture you can feel

Youll be part of small, friendly teams with:

Consistent, visible managers

Supportive supervision

Realistic caseloads

Time to build strong, long-term relationships with families

This is a space where good practice is recognised and nurtured.

A brilliant workplace

Our state-of-the-art riverside office offers:

Free parking

Modern collaborative spaces

Wellbeing rooms

On-site café

Beautiful river views

About the Role

Youll work with children, young people and families who require co-ordinated social care support. This includes children with Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, and those involved in PLO or court proceedings.

You will:

Build meaningful, trusting relationships

Exercise professional judgement

Promote safety, stability and positive change

Work closely with partner agencies

Contribute to assessments, planning and direct work

We want practitioners who value curiosity, compassion, integrity and reflective practice.

What Were Looking For

To be considered, you will need:

A recognised social work qualification

Registration with Social Work England

Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance

Compassion, resilience and excellent communication skills

Skilled in developing care plans and coordinating interventions that support positive outcomes.

Experience collaborating with multi-agency partners.

Use of policies and procedures in Social Work practice

Experience promoting continuous service improvement and positive culture

What Youll Get

Career progression salary up to £47,181

£3,000 retention payment

27 days annual leave (rising to 32 after 5 years service)

Option to purchase extra leave

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

SWE registration paid

Access to the Social Work Academy

Regular training and shared learning

Car lease scheme

Employee discounts and wellbeing support

Physiotherapy, counselling and online GP services

For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website:

Rewarding careers. We do that - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Interested? Want an informal chat first?

Contact: Steph Carter, Service Lead

01642 527936

Steph.Carter@stockton.gov.uk

Were excited to hear from you.

We are intending to interview on 11 August 2026 and you will receive notification through North East Jobs if you have been shortlisted.

Please note that were unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.

Important Applicant Guidance

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the My Messages section of your account.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions): This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those which would normally be considered spent, subject to the filtering rules applicable under current legislation.

Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Councils statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Council Principles: The Councils recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent.

Limitations: Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employees visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.