Bedford Borough Council is seeking experienced Qualified Social Workers to join its Children’s Services team. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a degree in Social Work (or equivalent qualification) and at least one year of post-qualifying experience in children’s social care. Candidates who have successfully completed the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) or the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s Newly Qualified Social Worker programme are also encouraged to apply.
Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who meet the requirements. Make a difference in the lives of children and families in Bedford by joining a dynamic, supportive team. Apply now!
About the Borough
Bedford Borough Council is a unitary authority in Bedfordshire, England, responsible for providing a wide range of local services to the community. These include education, housing, transport, social care, waste management, and environmental protection. The council is committed to fostering economic growth, enhancing public wellbeing, and creating sustainable communities. Known for its diversity and rich heritage, Bedford Borough Council works to ensure the area remains a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and visit.
Position: Qualified Social Worker
Salary: £37,938 – £39,513 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Bedford, UK
About the Role
Salary: £37,938 – £39,513 per annum (pro rata for part time)
+ market rate supplement of £6,000 (subject to annual review)
+ £10,000/£6,000/£4,000* welcome payment paid after successful probation (*depending on team)
+ £2,000 retention payment paid after 4 years’ service
+ 3 CPD days per year
+ £25 annual CPD voucher
The Council has a sponsorship licence and may be able to offer visa sponsorship to candidates based in the UK. We are not able to consider applications from candidates applying from overseas who require visa sponsorship.
In Bedford Borough, children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do and we need social workers who share our passion and determination to make a lasting difference to the lives of the families we work with.
We are incredibly proud of our service and the motivated and highly-skilled staff who work hard every day to keep children safe. Our recent Ofsted inspection confirmed that we are delivering a GOOD service to children and families.
Our practice model of systemic practice ensures that relationships are at the centre of our work with families. We focus on enabling and supporting families to make and sustain positive change. Ofsted recognised during their inspection that “Leaders have created a positive, relationship-based culture which they model in their relationships with staff, who in turn adopt a respectful, courteous approach in their work with families. Leaders are visible and approachable.”
We are committed to ensuring that you are supported to work effectively with families. Ofsted reflected that “Workers are well supported by managers at all levels” and that “Practitioners can speak easily to team managers, heads of service and senior leaders, who show interest in their work with children and support them to make difficult decisions. The local authority has continued to invest in the learning and development of its workforce. Leaders have cultivated many opportunities for staff to keep abreast with best practice, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to support children and families effectively.”
By joining Bedford Borough, you will have:
- Monthly personal supervision where well-being is central to your supervision
- Monthly case supervision
- Monthly well-being sessions run by the Bedfordshire Well Being Service
- Access to independent external clinical supervision should you require it (this is available to all our front line staff)
- A personalised career development plan
- Access to monthly training on systemic practice as well as other areas of practice
We ensure that caseloads are manageable and dependent on your experience and post-qualifying practice.
Qualifications
As a Qualified Social Worker at Bedford Borough Council, you’ll need:
- A desire to make a difference
- A degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification
- Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) or the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s Newly Qualified Social Worker programme or at least 1 year’s post qualifying experience as a social worker in children’s social care
- Experience relevant to the team you’re applying for
- Registration with Social Work England
Required Documents
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
Application Process
To apply for this role, please visit the official website
Application Deadline
Open until filled