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Join our dedicated team in Durham as a Children's Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and make a significant impact in the lives of children and young people. In this vital role, you will ensure that the views and wishes of children are heard and considered in their care planning processes. You will be responsible for chairing reviews, monitoring care plans, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, all while promoting the best interests of the children and young people in our care.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Chairing and facilitating Child Looked After reviews to ensure children's voices are central to their care. Monitoring and reviewing care plans to ensure they meet the needs of children and young people. Collaborating with social workers, foster carers, and other professionals to improve outcomes for children. Providing guidance and support to children and families regarding their rights and entitlements. Maintaining accurate records and documentation in line with local and national policies.

To be successful in this role, you will need the following qualifications and skills:

A recognized social work qualification (e.g., CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent). Experience working with children and families in a social work setting. Strong understanding of child protection legislation and safeguarding practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children and young people. Proficiency in report writing and documentation.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and training. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, a generous annual leave entitlement, and a commitment to your ongoing professional growth. If you are passionate about advocating for children and making a positive difference in their lives, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position.

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Durham County Council is seeking a dedicated and passionate Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join our dynamic Qualified Social Work team. This role is crucial in ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard, and that their needs are met through high-quality reviews of their care plans. As a Children’s IRO, you will work closely with children, families, and various stakeholders to promote the best outcomes for those in care.

Key responsibilities include:

Conducting regular reviews of care plans for children and young people in care, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Facilitating meetings and engaging with children, families, and professionals to gather insights and feedback. Monitoring the quality of care and support provided to children and making recommendations for improvements. Ensuring that children’s rights are upheld and their voices are central to the decision-making process. Providing training and support to social work staff on the IRO role and best practices in child welfare.

To be considered for this role, candidates must possess a relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Essential skills include:

Strong understanding of child protection legislation and safeguarding practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with children and families. Ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency teams. Proven experience in social work, particularly within children’s services. Strong analytical skills to assess and review complex situations.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a supportive work environment, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and access to employee wellness programs. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position in Durham.

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We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Qualified Social Worker to join our Adult's Social Work - Learning Disabilities (LD) Team in Darlington. This role is crucial in supporting adults with learning disabilities, ensuring they receive the care and services necessary for a fulfilling life. As a vital member of our team, you will work collaboratively with individuals, their families, and other professionals to promote independence and well-being.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Conducting assessments to identify the needs and strengths of individuals with learning disabilities. Developing and implementing person-centered support plans that promote independence and enhance quality of life. Providing ongoing support and guidance to individuals and their families, ensuring access to appropriate resources and services. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals and community organizations, to coordinate care and support. Maintaining accurate records and documentation in compliance with legal and organizational standards.

To be considered for this role, you must possess the following essential qualifications and skills:

A recognized social work qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent). Registration with Social Work England. Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a social work capacity. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and their families. Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in social work.

In addition to a rewarding career, we offer a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and training. Benefits include competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and access to employee wellness programs. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this fulfilling position in our Darlington team.

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Join our dedicated Children's TM - Adoption Team in Durham as a Qualified Social Worker, where you will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of children and families. In this position, you will be responsible for managing a caseload of adoption cases, conducting assessments, and providing support to children and their adoptive families. You will work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including local authorities, schools, and healthcare providers, to ensure the best outcomes for children in need of permanent homes.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Conducting thorough assessments of children and families to determine suitability for adoption. Developing and implementing tailored support plans for children and adoptive families. Facilitating training and support groups for prospective adoptive parents. Preparing reports and documentation for court proceedings and panel meetings. Maintaining accurate case records in compliance with regulatory standards.

To be successful in this role, you must possess essential qualifications and skills, including:

A recognized social work qualification (e.g., CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent). Registered with Social Work England. Proven experience in child protection and adoption services. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with children and families. Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency framework.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits to support your career and well-being, including ongoing professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team environment. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity in Durham.

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Durham County Council is seeking a passionate and dedicated Children's Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join our dynamic Qualified Social Work team. In this critical role, you will ensure that the needs and voices of children and young people in care are at the forefront of our practice. You will be responsible for chairing care planning meetings, reviewing care plans, and ensuring that children’s rights are upheld throughout their care journey.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Chairing statutory reviews for children and young people in care, ensuring their views and wishes are heard and considered. Monitoring the effectiveness of care plans and ensuring timely and appropriate actions are taken to meet the needs of children. Collaborating with social workers, foster carers, and other professionals to develop and implement comprehensive care strategies. Providing advice and guidance to professionals and families regarding the care review process and best practices. Maintaining accurate records and reports to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and local policies.

To be successful in this role, you must possess the following qualifications and skills:

A recognized social work qualification (e.g., CQSW, CSS, or equivalent). Registration with Social Work England. Significant experience in children's social work, particularly in a reviewing or oversight capacity. Strong understanding of legislation and frameworks related to children's care. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, ongoing professional development opportunities, and access to employee wellness programs. Join us in making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in Durham. If you are a dedicated professional committed to advocacy and child welfare, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.

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Join our dedicated Assessment Team in Durham as a Children's Social Worker (SSW) and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. In this vital role, you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, developing intervention plans, and providing support to vulnerable children and their families. Your expertise will help ensure that children are safeguarded and their needs are met effectively.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Conducting initial and ongoing assessments of children and families to identify needs and risks. Developing and implementing support plans in collaboration with families and other professionals. Maintaining accurate records and documentation in line with local and national guidelines. Participating in multi-agency meetings to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding. Providing advice and support to families, helping them access resources and services.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following essential qualifications and skills:

A recognized social work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent). Current registration with the relevant social work regulatory body. Experience in children's social work, particularly in assessments and safeguarding. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children and families. Sound knowledge of child protection legislation and relevant policies.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a supportive work environment with ongoing professional development opportunities. You will have access to supervision and training to enhance your skills, as well as flexible working arrangements to help maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the community and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.

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Join our dedicated team at Durham as a Children’s Social Worker (SSW) in the Assessment Team, where you will play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Your primary responsibilities will include conducting comprehensive assessments, developing intervention strategies, and collaborating with families and partner agencies to ensure the best outcomes for children in need. You will work in a dynamic environment, engaging with children, families, and other professionals to gather relevant information and support effective decision-making.

Key responsibilities will include:

Conducting initial assessments and ongoing evaluations of children’s needs. Developing and implementing child protection plans in collaboration with families and relevant stakeholders. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records in compliance with statutory requirements. Providing support and guidance to families, ensuring their voices are heard in the assessment process. Participating in multi-agency meetings to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding.

To be considered for this role, you must possess a recognized social work qualification (e.g., DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent) and be registered with Social Work England. Experience in child protection and assessment is essential, alongside a strong understanding of relevant legislation and best practices in social work. You should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and have the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. A commitment to ongoing professional development and a passion for improving the lives of children and families are crucial.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for career progression, and access to professional development programs. You will receive regular supervision and support from experienced managers, as well as flexible working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance. If you are driven to make a difference in the lives of children and families, we invite you to apply and join our committed team at Durham.

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Full job description

Job Title: Senior Support Worker / Key Worker

The Senior Support Worker / Key Worker will play a vital role in ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality support to young people in supported living accommodations.

You will be liaising with external professionals to ensure young people receive the care and support they need. The role also includes compliance with safeguarding policies and contributing to the continuous development of the service.

Duties include :

Provide one-to-one support, helping young people with goals like education and budgeting. Average 35 hours a week. Can include 1 sleep over a week

The placement is 24/7 staffed

Reporting to: House Manager

Core Requirements: NVQ Level 3, 4 or 5 in Health and Social Care

Minimum 2 years of previous experience in a senior role within a social care setting.

Experience working in a social care or supported living environment required

Needs experience of working with Challenging 16 - 17 year olds or similar age group

Knowledge of housing management processes and property maintenance.

Proactive, self-driven, and able to take initiative in fulfilling role requirements.

Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and Ofsted regulations.

Excellent communication and reporting skills.

Experience in key-working and supporting young people towards independence.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

Good IT skills

Hourly Pay: Up to £18 per hour paid via umbrella. Rate includes holiday pay and national insurance. £100 sleep-in rate.

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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Social worker with experience of adoption required for 6 month period initially, to work across the adoption team.
This is a team which works closely alongside the permanence team and is driving forward changes in adoption practise including how post adoption support is delivered.

Working on all elements delivered by the adoption team.
including post adoption support, access to records and none agency adoption. Some experience of adoption social work is required.

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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We are currently recruiting for County Durham Social Services for an experienced Team Manager to manage a Fostering team.

Ideally you will have been a manager or Assistant Manager within social services and have worked or managed a team in the past.

The post holder will be managing a team of fostering social workers, and will have the support of a social work consultant (similar to deputy manager). The team are responsible for the regulatory compliance of approved mainstream foster carers in the South of the County.

The team manager has oversight of the fostering service statutory requirements, ensuring service delivery and quality assurance. The post holder will be overseeing and supporting high quality performance within the service.

Due to the nature of the post it will not be possible to undertake this post fully remotely. We can only accept candidates who are able to work hybrid with days in the office

You need to hold a qualified social work cert and be registered with Social Work England to be eligible for this role.

For this and other social work positions in the North East please contact Andy Scully

Your own dedicated specialist consultantAccess to the widest variety of social work jobs across 180 authorities and private organisations throughout the UKPrompt and reliable payrollFree DBS and compliance service£300 referral fee

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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