The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job title Social Worker – Children in Care Job reference 000012513 Date posted 28/09/2026 Application closing date 18/10/2026 Working Pattern Blank Salary Newly Qualified Social Worker, Grade J £39,513 to £43,693 a year. Qualified Social Worker, Grade K £44,711 to £47,754 a year Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Social Care – Children Attachments Blank Job description Salary: Newly Qualified £39,513 to £43,693, Qualified £44,711 to £47,754 a year Hours: 37 hours per week Contract Type: Permanent Location: Shot Tower DBS Requirement: Yes – Enhanced Closing Date: 18/10/2026 Derby City Council is committed to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. We are proud of our Ofsted judgement of Outstanding. In Derby we aren’t complacent about this and recognise that our workforce is key to delivering a good service. We operate a Strength Based Practice Model. We are committed to listening to the voice of our children, our approach to this is My Life My Journey. This means that we listen to and consider children’s views from the point of contact through to permanency. In Derby we respect culture and heritage, we have embedded our Heritage Pledge, the aim of which is to value children and their families as individual’s and respect their culture, religion, and identity. Our workforce understands the needs of children and are skilful in identifying risk and considering the impact on the individual child. We want like minded Social Workers to join our workforce and become part of Derby’s journey. If Derby sounds like a place you’d like to work, you will be part of a supportive team, have access to regular supervision, peer support and continuing professional development. If you are newly qualified, you will have development opportunities during your ASYE and further opportunities to develop as an experienced Social Worker. We would like social workers to apply who are committed to advocating on behalf of and will help our children and young people achieve good outcomes. Our social workers will be expected to contribute to effective care planning, including pathway planning with our children and young people, across a variety of placements. The Children in Care service work with children and young people whose Care Plan has been agreed or ratified as being one of remaining in our care, up to their 18th birthday. We work closely with a range of professionals, including health, education, leaving care, youth offending and adult social care colleagues. Children in Care social workers will meet statutory requirements which are in place to safeguard our children and young people, along with ensuring they have the best possible support to enable them to achieve their best outcomes. The Children in Care service is committed to ensuring our Corporate Parenting obligations are met along with our Pledge to Children in Care and Care Leavers. Derby has a vibrant Children in Care Council. We expect that the voice of our children and young people is embedded into their care plans and taken into account when decisions are made which will affect them.
Who We Are
At Derby City Council, we’re proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do. Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we’re Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference. Join us and you’ll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby’s future.
Why join Derby City Council?
At Derby City Council, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people. Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:
Financial Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover
- Team Derby Rewards – discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme – a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle
Work-Life Balance
- Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years’ service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)
- The option to purchase additional annual leave
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles
- Flexible retirement options, where eligible
- Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities
Learning and Development
- Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth
- Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications
- Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training
Community and Inclusion
- Up to 1 hours of volunteering leave each year
- Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
- The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity
At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you’re at in your career, you’ll be joining an inclusive organisation where you’ll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.
Important Information
Links to the full Job Description and Person Specification are available below.
All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the role.
Where a DBS requirement is indicated at the top of this advert, the successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of our safer recruitment process.
Where a Market Rate Supplement is indicated at the top of this advert, it is paid in addition to the basic salary and is subject to regular review. The supplement may be reduced or withdrawn and will reduce in line with incremental progression and pay awards.
The Council has a legal obligation to consider suitable redeployment opportunities for employees at risk of redundancy. Consequently, this vacancy may be withdrawn before the advertised closing date if it is filled through the Council’s redeployment process.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Derby City Council, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we’ll work with you to provide the support you need.
Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844) or email recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk Interviews 13th October 2026 at Derby City Council House.
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