Social Worker - Reunification Team

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

Help Children Return Home Safely and Successfully

Are you a passionate and experienced Social Worker committed to improving outcomes for children and families?

We are seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our Children in Care service, supporting children in care to safely return to the care of their parents or wider family networks where this is in their best interests.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative service focused on reducing unnecessary time in care, strengthening family relationships, and ensuring children experience stability, permanence, and belonging.

As a Reunification Social Worker, you will work directly with children, families, foster carers, and partner agencies to assess readiness for reunification and coordinate tailored plans that support successful returns home.

In this role, you will;

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake comprehensive reunification assessments.
• Develop and coordinate evidence-based reunification plans aligned to best practice.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Lead and contribute to multi-agency planning and decision-making.
• Identify strengths, risks, and support needs within families.
• Monitor children's progress following reunification and provide ongoing support to reduce the risk of re-entry into care.
• Work collaboratively with Family Support Workers and other professionals to ensure interventions are effective and child-focused.
• Maintain high-quality recording, assessment, and case management.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting children and families, and who possesses the following skills and experience.

Essential Criteria:

• A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experienced in working with children in care, safeguarding, and family support.
• Skilled in assessment, direct work, and relationship-based practice.
• Passionate about achieving permanence and improving outcomes for children.
• Confident in engaging families experiencing complex challenges.
• Able to work collaboratively across professional networks.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Manageable caseloads
• High quality supervision and professional development
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative reunification practice
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

If you believe children belong within safe, loving families wherever possible and have the skills to make reunification successful, we would love to hear from you. Contact Becky Thompson, Head of Service, [email removed] for more information.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Monday 14 September 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.