Social Worker Children in Care

Position: Permanent Social Worker – Children in Care (0–18)
Bradford | Permanent | Full Time

Salary: £38,220 – £46,142 (PO1–3, SCP 27–35)
Plus £3,000 Annual Retention Bonus
(Pay award pending)

Social Personnel is recruiting on behalf of Bradford Children and Families Trust, an organisation committed to delivering meaningful, lasting change for children and families across the city.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Bradford at a time of real transformation and improvement, with a newly restructured Children in Care service spanning ages 0–18, designed to provide continuity, stability and better outcomes for children.

🌟 Why Join Bradford?

Bradford is a diverse, vibrant city with a strong sense of community. You’ll be supported by a permanent and committed senior leadership team, offering stability, clear vision and a strong practice culture.

Recent Ofsted feedback recognises Bradford’s significant progress, with improvements delivered ahead of expectations. The Trust’s practice model is restorative and relationship-based, focused on trust, collaboration and meaningful engagement with children and families.

🔹 The Role

As a Social Worker in the Children in Care Team, you’ll work with children and young people aged 0–18, supporting them to achieve safe, stable and permanent outcomes.

You’ll manage a statutory caseload, build strong relationships, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to ensure children’s voices are central to all decision-making.

🔹 Key Responsibilities

* Managing a caseload of Children in Care

* Undertaking comprehensive assessments and direct work

* Developing, implementing and reviewing child-centred care plans

* Supporting children and young people to achieve permanence through:

* Long-term care

* Reunification with parents

* Placement with extended family

* Advocating for children and ensuring their voices are heard

* Monitoring progress and adapting care plans to meet changing needs

* Working collaboratively with multi-agency partners

* Producing high-quality reports and assessments

* Supporting children emotionally and practically to build resilience and achieve positive outcomes

👤 About You

We’re looking for committed, relationship-focused social workers who are passionate about improving the lives of children.

You will need:

* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (reasonable adjustments considered)

* Experience managing a statutory caseload

* Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills

* Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and professionals

* Confidence working in complex situations, including conflict and challenge

* Excellent communication and collaboration skills

🎁 What’s On Offer

* 31 days annual leave, rising to 34 with service (plus bank holidays)

* Local Government Pension Scheme

* Clear pay progression structure

* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

* Supportive carer and parental policies

* Occupational Health and confidential counselling services

* Access to Blue Light Card discounts

* Strong professional development and career progression opportunities

* Supportive staff networks and wellbeing initiatives

📩 Apply Now

If you’re looking to join an organisation where relationships, stability and outcomes truly matter, this is the perfect time to join Bradford Children and Families Trust