Children’s Social Worker - Front Door Service

Permanent
Full Time 37 hours per week

We are looking to recruit expert and highly capable Social Workers to join our Children's Front Door Service. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team where you can truly shape outcomes and make a meaningful difference, providing the right support at the right time.

About Us

Our Children's Front Door Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is responsible for handling all safeguarding and child-protection inquiries throughout Devon. It provides a crucial part in promoting and protecting the safety and welfare of children throughout the county.

From a central hub located in Exeter, our dedicated and experienced team of professionals work in close collaboration with the police, healthcare, education and probation services to quickly gather and assess information when determining the best course of action in supporting families and meeting children's needs. Through these vital agency partnerships, our Children's Front Door service can promptly and efficiently identify potential risks and initiate timely, need specific interventions where appropriate.

Over the past year our Children's Front Door has undergone significant change resulting in the achievement of a progressive and stable workforce, operating at 90% permanent staff. Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of children and families by simplifying access to services, and strengthening collaboration with our partner agencies.

About the Role

As an Experienced Social Worker within Front Door, you will handle more complex children's plans, confidently carrying out your duties to safeguard the wellbeing of Devon's children. You will be familiar of working in a high pressurised environment, and understand the importance of providing our children and young people with accessing the help and support they need now. You will be working creatively to promote positive long-term change modelling social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations as well as championing restorative practice.

Guided by a Team Manager and supported by Advanced Social Workers, Referral Coordinators and Business Support Officers, this role provide a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to gain more experience within a busy frontline team.

This role is currently eligible for an annual Retention payment of £2,000 per annum pro rata.

Skills and Experience

You will be an advocate for the children and young people you are working with, ensuring each child feels fully supported. Your skills and experience will include:

• Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children's social work
• The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
• Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency environment
• A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Satisfactory completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
• A high-level of written and verbal communication skills

The salary will be determined by qualifications, skills and experience. Please refer to the relevant Job Descriptions and salary ranges below:

Social Worker: £40,444* per annum
Experienced Social Worker: £41,177 - £48,738* per annum

Please click here to see the Job Description for Social Worker (Grade F)

Please click here to see the Job Description for Experienced Social Worker (Grade G)

*Plus an additional £2,000 retention payment.

Working at Devon County Council

In return for the vital contribution you'll make, we offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase more
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Flexible working options, including hybrid working
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounts at 900+ retailers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

For more information about Working for Devon County Council please visit our Working for Devon page.

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

To find out more about working in our Children's Front Door Service or for further information on the role, please contact the Jade Hill: jade.hill@devon.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 22nd November 2026
Apply early to avoid disappointment as we may close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

We welcome applications from internationally trained professionals currently living in the UK. Sponsorship can be offered to the right candidate to support your journey.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Additional Information

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• A Full UK driving Licence and access to a vehicle.

REQ010814 - Children's Social Care