Social Worker/Senior Social worker - Cared for Team

North East Ambition; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local children's service in Sunderland is seeking an experienced Social Worker for the Cared for Team. This role involves safeguarding children and promoting their welfare through direct assessments and relationship-building with families. Candidates must hold a relevant degree in Social Work and possess the ability to work collaboratively within established policies. The organization prides itself on its outstanding service and inclusive culture, offering competitive compensation and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional Development opportunities

Wellbeing activities and support programmes

Attractive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in carrying out assessments of children in need.
• Hold a current Social Work England Registration.
• Experience working directly with children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• Build relationships with children, families, and networks.
• Champion diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Skills

Assessments of children in need

Working with families

Championing equity and inclusion

Creative problem-solving

Education

Degree in Social Work (CSS/CQSW or DipSW, MA SW, BA Hons SW)

Job description

Social Worker / Senior Social Worker - Cared for Team

Grade 7/8: £37,280 - £47,181 per annum, plus an Essential Car User Allowance: £1,239 per annum and 2% Recruitment and Retention Allowance paid monthly.

Contract Type: Permanent.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing date: 7th January 2026. Interview Date: 23rd January 2026.

Join our Team

Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service. If you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you.

Learn more about us here: Together for Children.

About the Role

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Build relationships with children, young people, their families and networks, and work directly with them to undertake assessments of children in need and children in need of protection. This will help us understand what life is like for them and how we can support them and their networks to make long-lasting changes.

You will do this in line with the relevant policies and procedures in place within Together for Children and Sunderland Safeguarding Board which support us to keep children and young people safe.

Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work and the communities you assist.

We are proud that Together for Children has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ in a judgement by Ofsted in 2021, in recognition of the stability of our very well supported and talented workforce who deliver an unremitting commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. Join us and help us in continuing our outstanding journey!

We are currently recruiting an experienced Social Worker to join our Cared for Social Work Team. Child‑centred, respectful, creative and transparent are the values around which the organization has been formed. This is what you can expect from Together for Children when you join us.

You will have experience in carrying out assessments of children in need, children in need of protection and cared for children. You will also have experience of working directly with children and young people to achieve positive outcomes. You will work in accordance with established policies and procedures of Together for Children and Sunderland.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We want you to apply if you:

• Are educated to degree level with appropriate professional Social Work qualification i.e. CSS/CQSW or DipSW, MA SW, BA Hons SW
• Hold a current Social Work England Registration
• Have a current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support

Contact Paul Kelly (0191 561 3007) for an informal discussion.

Why work with us?

• Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
• Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
• Work‑Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
• Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
• Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
• Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link North East Jobs – Together for Children – Sunderland – Benefits and rewards.

What our team think: About Us.

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to [e-mail] so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Apply now to join our team and help make a difference.