Children's Social Worker

Are you an experienced social worker looking for the job of a lifetime? In a place that cares about who you are and what you do.  Somewhere you can have an unimaginable great quality of life and a well-balanced workload. In a beautiful part of the country that really understands the power of relationships and were living in the community is a reminder of how relationships and human connections really matter.

As a social worker, you will lead and influence change making sure that we deliver the very best of social service to those who need us. With the time to develop positive meaningful relationships not only with the children, families and communities of the islands but with multi agency partners who will be right by your side. We are truly developing something different here on Scilly. Kindness, empathy, and opportunity is what you will experience in abundance.

It truly is more than a job, it’s a way of life where values and behaviours matter and where your moral compass and social justice beliefs underpin how we develop the future together. In one of the most stunning locations in the UK, don’t take our word for it… see for yourself.

As a senior social worker you will also act as and dedicated social work officer for SEND, you’ll work at the heart of our People and Communities Directorate, shaping and delivering an integrated, evidence-based service that protects children and supports families across the full spectrum of need.

You’ll lead a small, dedicated team, supervising and supporting Family Support Workers while maintaining your own caseload across Family Help, Children in Need, Child Protection, Looked After Children, and children on a SEND pathway.

You will see from our Ofsted monitoring visit that we have set sail on the right path, purposefully navigating our way to be brilliant every day. Don’t get us wrong, these roles come with their own unique challenges, but you will know how deeply rewarding social work is. Applying your professional expertise, leadership, and resilience will truly transform services for island families now and for generations to come.

What you’ll be doing

• Acting as the senior social worker and a key safeguarding voice across the community.
• Hold a manageable and varied caseload that requires great analytical skills in assessment, and the ability to really know what great planning looks like when always focused on making a difference for the children, families and communities you work with.
• Take the lead in multi-agency meetings, training staff and partners, and being a change maker who drives safeguarding decisions and practice.
• You will be a trusted voice in the community and someone who understand the importance of confidentially in a close-knit community.
• Deputising for the Head of Children’s Operations and also working closely with colleagues in Cornwall to maintain alignment and professional support.
• Engaging in contract management for key services (e.g. LADO, IRO, fostering, adoption).
• Maintaining the electronic case work management system and upholding best practice in data management and recording.

About You

You’ll be a confident, committed and skilled social work professional who:

• Is Social Work England registered and holds a recognised social work qualification.
• Has extensive experience in working with children and families across all levels of need, where gaps maybe evident then you must be willing to develop your knowledge and apply your learning.
• Has excellent supervision, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to reflect, challenge, and support others in making good decisions sometimes in complex situations.
• Is able to embrace the unique challenges of working in a small, rural or remote authority — and sees this as an opportunity to grow.
• Has a proven record of using strengths-based and relationship-led approaches and understands the importance of courageous solution focused conversations.
• Is highly resilient, self-motivated, and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively across agencies.

The Isles of Scilly

The beautiful Isles of Scilly is set 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall. With stunning beaches, huge, unpolluted, starry skies, endless outdoor activities with a warm and kind community were belonging really matters. Don’t be mistaken as set within this beautiful world are some children and families who need help and support to get the most out of life’s opportunities. We are passionate about providing every child with the best start in life and a positive childhood throughout all of their developmental.  

This is your chance to make a difference.

What we offer?

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• 100s of discounts through an employee benefits scheme
• Relocation assistance to help you make the move
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Training and development to support your career goals.
• Cycle to Work and eye care voucher schemes.
• Family-friendly working policies
• Access to a confidential counselling service

We are well on our way to rebuilding and reshaping how we support our children and families — and you can be part of it. If you're ready to take on a role that blends frontline practice with leadership and system change, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information or an informal conversation, please contact Sue Ross on sue.ross@scilly.gov.uk 

If you have a track record of success and the ability to lead a department dedicated to improving the life chances of young people then please complete an application form and send to humanresources@scilly.gov.uk