Senior Social Worker Court Team

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants

Hello there! Are you dedicated to high-quality, relationship-based social work, that is child-centred, family-minded, strengths and evidence-based and focused on delivering positive outcomes?

This is a rare opportunity to work within a forward thinking and supportive service holding and managing care proceedings through to final hearing and permanency planning.

We are looking for qualified experienced Senior Children and Families Social Workers, with significant experience in both the safeguarding and court arena, who can undertake varied and diverse case management and exceptional quality assessments in a timely accurate manner. Along with providing with a child centred approach and using the skills and tools to work restoratively with families, you will support newly qualified social workers and students within the team and other areas the post will allow for progression opportunities to be able to develop and grow their career.

Children and Family Services is proud of its achievements to date and is continuing to ensure children and families remain the number one priority at the heart of all we do. Stoke-on-Trent is a city on the up – we’ve been confirmed as one of the best areas in the country for economic growth, we’ve been named as one of the most cultural places to live by the Sunday Times and we’re one of the greenest cities in the country with acres of green open spaces and parks.

We are located in North Staffordshire in the West Midlands with easy and excellent access to transport links to all parts of the UK and internationally. We want our children and young people to inherit these changes, to build their lives in our city, be aspirational and to take the opportunities Stoke-on-Trent can offer. We have a coordinated and relentless drive to continue to improve children’s experiences.

There is a strong sense of togetherness here and Stoke-on-Trent has undoubtedly the friendliest people in the UK, we pride ourselves on building relationships with families and partners and hold restorative practice at the centre of all we do. Ofsted recently found that services for vulnerable children and families in Stoke-on-Trent have improved substantially and that there has been investment in children’s services as part of a wider council development programme.

We are investing in a high-quality learning and development offer to ensure that you have access to high quality learning, development opportunities and support, whatever stage of your career you are at.

If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding role, one where you’ll be supported every step of the way, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is the place for you.

For these roles you must

Be a qualified Social Worker
You will have sound knowledge of relevant childcare legislation, including a clear understanding of ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’.
An ability to build effective relationships with children, young people, and families.
ability to work flexibly around work commitments

Amongst the benefits we offer are:

Up to 40 days holiday (including 8 days bank holidays)
Option to buy extra annual leave
Flexible working hours
Hybrid working
Relocation allowance to £8,000 subject to policy
Manageable caseloads
High quality reflective supervision
Health and wellbeing support
Access to staff equality and diversity networks

To be considered for a position you must have a degree in Social Work or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.

Want to know more and apply?

It’s great to know that you are interested in working with us at Stoke-on-Trent City Council. as a potential employee, it is important that everyone who works for us is committed to our stronger together vision ensuring we are working together to create a stronger city we can all be proud of.

If you are passionate about children and young people getting the right help at the right time, about listening to their voice, and about working in partnership with families and wider networks, then we would very much like to hear from you.

For an informal discussion please contact

Kezia.Mifflin@stoke.gov.uk Head of Court Service and Pre-Birth

Additional Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Stoke-on-Trent City Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this – we therefore encourage applications from all sections of our community. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed together

Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.

To Apply
Please create / log into your account and then click 'apply'. If you have any queries or want an application form in another format, please email recruitment@stoke.gov.uk or call us on 01782 238189.

In order to apply for this vacancy, you must be able to supply the required answers to the following questions:
Do you have the Right to Work in the UK?