Experienced Social Worker - Parent Assess Team

Social Work in Cornwall

Make a difference – Children’s Social Work in Cornwall

“Senior leaders and politicians are relentless in their drive to continue to improve the lives of Cornwall’s children and families.”

Staff’s care, commitment and child focused approach shine through when they talk about their work. This positive working environment helps to foster a culture in which an enthusiasm and commitment to do the best for children is found at all levels in the organisation.

Ofsted, July 2024

Are you an experienced and passionate social worker looking for a unique opportunity to work in a specialist, high‑performing service? Our Parent Assess Team is growing as part of Cornwall Council’s commitment to delivering robust, evidence‑based parenting assessments across the county.

This is an exciting time to join us as we expand the Parent Assess Team to strengthen our in‑house assessment offer and reduce reliance on external providers. You’ll be part of a supportive, skilled, and forward‑thinking service that plays a critical role in supporting children and families at key points in their journey.

You will:

• Carry out structured, analytical parenting assessments within a 12‑week model.
• Work closely with families, legal representatives, and multi‑agency partners.
• Produce high‑quality, evidence‑based reports that support court proceedings and decision‑making.
• Contribute to a service recognised for its consistency, timeliness, and gold‑standard assessment approach.

• Structured training in the Parent Assess® model
• Regular reflective supervision
• Flexible working arrangements
• Strong managerial support
• Opportunities for career development within a growing specialist service

• Non–case-holding role:
  Focus solely on delivering high‑quality, structured parenting assessments using the nationally recognised Parent Assess® model.
• Training provided:
  While Parent Assess qualification is ideal, full training can be provided for the right experienced social worker.
• High‑performing, stable authority:
  Work within a council known for strong practice standards and clear strategic vision for children’s services.
• Professional growth:
  Be part of a specialised, developing service with opportunities to shape practice and contribute to continual improvements.
• Supportive team culture:
  Join a motivated team with dedicated team days, reflective practice, and a commitment to quality and consistency.

This is a public/customer-facing role, where the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies.

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

Find out more about our social work careers here - Work in Adults or Children's Social Care - Cornwall Council .

Permanent full time 37 hours/week, flexibility required to meet parental need and flexible working by arrangement. Flexibility to travel across Cornwall is required.

You will be a social worker registered with Social Work England who will have:

• Experience in completing parenting assessments, or complex assessments under the PLO or court proceedings (Parent Assess training can be offered to the right applicants).
• Experienced in children’s safeguarding, assessment, or court work.
• Strong analytical, relational, and communication skills.
• Confident working autonomously while being part of a supportive team.
• Committed to continuous learning and delivering exceptional outcomes for children.
• Proven track record of excellent practice that improves the lives of children.
• High‑level written and verbal communication skills to build effective professional relationships with families and other professionals.
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models and theories relevant to children’s social work, and the ability to evidence how you have applied your learning to your practice.
• The skills to undertake assessments and to use evidence‑based practice tools to devise, implement and review care plans.

Please note:

If you have qualified as a Social Worker within the last 2 years, but not completed your Assessed and Supported Year of…