Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker

Job description

The role of Senior Social Worker is a permanent, full-time or part-time position within Leeds City Council’s children's social work service. Candidates must hold a relevant social work qualification, be registered with Social Work England on commencement, and hold or be willing to attain Practice Educator Level 1/2. The post provides high‑quality, restorative practice for children, young people and families in statutory, restorative and childcare contexts.

Salary: PO3 £ 42,839 – £46,142 pro rata

Hours:

Various

Contract:

Permanent
Service:
Children’s social work
All applicants must have a relevant social work qualification.

The Senior Social Worker will manage a complex, diverse caseload, delivering child‑focused care, risk assessment, and family‑centre services. The role supports service development, staff mentorship, and a culture of restorative practice designed to achieve positive outcomes.

• Assume responsibility for a complex caseload, including child protection and look‑alike cases.
• Maintain case notes, author reports, and provide evidence in court when required.
• Develop relationships with children, families and carers to inform high‑quality services.
• Plan, negotiate and implement service support plans aligned with statutory procedures.
• Lead and mentor junior staff, students and trainees, supervising learning settings.
• Contribute to service innovation, future planning, and policy development.
• Use safeguarding frameworks to manage risk and prevent harm.
• Communicate findings clearly in written and verbal reports for legal and professional use.
• Maintain data protection and governance standards, using information systems effectively.
• Build and sustain multidisciplinary relationships and convene multi‑agency meetings.

Essential:

• Professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Registration with Social Work England (or HCPC under the role’s variant) on commencement.
• Practice Educator Level 1, with willingness to attain Level 2.
• Experience managing a high‑level, complex caseload in a statutory setting.
• Knowledge of trends, policy, regulation and safeguarding in social care.
• Strong communication, collaboration, mentoring and conflict resolution skills.
• Charitable, flexible, and creative approach to service provision.

Desirable:

• Full driving licence.
• Experience working within court environments.

• Understanding and embracing Leeds City Council values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and public health & wellbeing goals.
• Flexibility and adaptability to support services as required.
• Awareness of equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.

• A competitive salary and statutory holiday entitlement.
• West Yorkshire Pension Fund membership with generous contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Clear career pathway and professional development opportunities.
• Car user allowance and loan scheme.
• Access to discounts, including a blue light card.
• Wider staff wellbeing benefits.

Apply online by uploading your CV and a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Complete all sections carefully before submission.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, call the recruitment team on 0113 378 5165. Candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and our recruitment of ex‑offenders policy applies.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+ individuals, people of ethnic diversity, disabled people and those with care experience.

This role is based in the UK. Candidates must provide evidence of the right to work, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or with an appropriate visa. Where sponsorship is required, eligibility will be checked based on salary, standing, and other criteria.