Bedford Borough Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its dedicated Children in Care team, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. This role is ideal for a qualified professional committed to safeguarding, care planning, and delivering positive long-term outcomes within a supportive local authority setting.
Working within a structured and collaborative environment, the position involves managing caseloads, building strong relationships with children and carers, and ensuring care plans are effectively implemented and reviewed. A solid background in statutory social work, along with strong assessment and communication skills, will be essential for success in this role.
The Council holds a sponsorship licence and may be able to offer visa sponsorship to eligible candidates who are already based in the UK. Applicants should ensure they meet the relevant Home Office requirements and right-to-work criteria before applying.
Position: Experienced Social Worker
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: £41,771 – £45,091
Location: Bedford
Job Advert
We are seeking an Experienced Social Worker to join the Children in Our Care team at Bedford Borough supporting Looked After Children from the age of 0 to18 years, including separated migrant children.
This role will include care planning to provide permanency for our children and young people, whilst also improving education, health and social outcomes.
Fulfilling statutory requirements whilst maintaining the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Local Authority care is a fundamental element of the role, as well as productive partnership working and advocacy.
This role requires the post holder to invest in our Parenting Together approach in order to promote the best outcomes for the children and young people in our care.
How to apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Closing Date: 8th May 2026
Interview Date(s): 26th, 27th& 28th May 2026
Please note:
The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical
For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship
The Council has a sponsorship licence, and may be able to offer visa sponsorship to candidates for this post that are based in the UK
Enhanced DBS Post
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not “protected” as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).
Salary Range: Competitive Salary plus MRS
Grade: BBU11 plus market rate supplement £6,000pa (subject to review), welcome & retention payments
Additional Vacancy Information
Allowance (pro rata for part time roles)
Market rate supplement
Work Pattern
Full time weekdays
Is this an enhanced DBS role?
Yes
Is this a politically restricted role?
No
Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker?
Yes
Vacancy Location
Location
Bedfordshire
Location
Borough Hall Bedford
Is this a designated car user position?
Yes
Application Process
To apply for this role, KINDLY VISIT HERE
Application Deadline
May 8th, 2026