Social Worker, Family Advocacy & Support Services

Join Wiltshires Young Peoples Service, part of the Family and Childrens Service, where we lead and develop targeted and specialist support for vulnerable youth. As a Young Peoples Social Worker, you will work directly with adolescents aged 10-17 who are at risk of or experiencing exploitation, offending, going missing, or facing significant vulnerabilities. You will hold case responsibility for children in need and those requiring protection, conducting assessments, planning interventions, and working collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes.

This role demands a trauma-informed approach, a deep understanding of adolescent development, and the ability to creatively meet complex needs within available resources. You will be expected to contribute to safeguarding processes, attend relevant meetings and court hearings, and maintain accurate records. Flexibility is key, with occasional work outside normal hours to support families when they need it most.

We are looking for a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with strong knowledge of child protection legislation, exploitation indicators, and youth justice. Experience working with vulnerable young people, children in care, and their families is essential, along with the ability to apply theory to practice and engage effectively with adolescents.

This is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people in Wiltshire.

This role involves being the primary caseworker for adolescents aged 10-17 who are in need or at risk of harm, including criminal or sexual exploitation, offending, or going missing. You will assess needs and risks through timely enquiries, including S47 investigations and specialist assessments, ensuring the child's voice and family views are central.

Responsibilities include developing and reviewing outcome-focused plans, convening core groups, and writing reports for child protection conferences, legal proceedings, and reviews. You will interpret and implement statutory duties and departmental policies, staying current with legislation such as the Childrens Act 2004. Collaboration is key working with multi-agency partners, youth justice teams, and internal colleagues to deliver coordinated services that promote positive outcomes.

The role requires accurate electronic record-keeping, adherence to confidentiality, and contribution to team performance targets.

You will manage resources creatively within financial constraints, uphold equality and diversity principles, and actively engage in professional development through supervision, training, and research-informed practice.

Wiltshire Council is the unitary local authority for the county of Wiltshire, England, established in 2009 to provide both county-level and district-level services. The council's vision is to foster strong communities where residents can achieve their potential through empowerment and inclusion. The council focuses on long-term challenges, community engagement, and delivering services that support independent living, reduce inequalities, and promote overall well-being.

Key Responsibilities and Services

• Community Services:

The council provides a range of essential services to residents, including waste management, public planning, and support for vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with disabilities.

• Governance:

The council consists of elected councillors who form a cabinet to set the council's direction and priorities. A system of overview and scrutiny ensures accountability for the cabinet's decisions.

• Strategic Planning:

The council engages in long-term planning, such as its household waste management strategy, focusing on new approaches and opportunities to manage waste over the next decade and beyond.

• Infrastructure:

The council uses Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to support local infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and recreational facilities, to manage the impact of development.

Care job family overview:

Support and assist the well-being of individuals and groups to assure their protection, security and development

Safeguarding, protection and care.

Community, residential, day or field settings.

Ongoing risk/needs assessment of and advice for individuals/groups.

Specification of any non-council provision.

Individual or small group emphasis.

Likely to involve immediate response to client.

Service and Function Context:

The service is responsible for ensuring that children and young people involved in the youth justice system or being exploited are provided with intervention and support to best meet their needs and to ensure they have the best opportunities to succeed in life.

The Young Peoples Service covers key areas including:

The Youth Offending Team: this seeks to provide children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable with positive, preventative, out of court, and statutory intervention they need to…