Social Worker/Senior Social worker- Planning for Permanence

Togetherforchildren; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local children's services provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Social Worker/Senior Social Worker. In this role, you will lead efforts in permanence planning, supporting children with adoption plans through the completion of necessary reports and therapeutic work. You will work within a nurturing environment that values professional development and offers flexible arrangements. If you have relevant experience and a commitment to making a difference, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing programme

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Experience of permanence planning for children and statutory responsibilities.
• Ability to support children with a plan of adoption.
• Will not hold a case but provide quality direct work.

Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality direct work with children preparing for permanence.
• Complete Child Permanence Reports (CPRs) and bespoke reports.
• Work with a small team under the guidance of senior management.

Skills

Experience in permanence planning

Experience with Child Permanence Reports

Ability to work in a team

Knowledge of Signs of Safety model

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Social Worker/Senior Social Worker – Planning for Permanence

Grade 7/8 – £37,280 – £47,181 per annum, plus an Essential Car User Allowance: £1239 per annum and 2% Recruitment and Retention Allowance paid monthly.

Interview date: 20th 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.

Together for Children works on behalf of Sunderland City Council to deliver children’s services in the city, which means that local authority continuous service terms and conditions apply. We are looking to appoint an experienced Social Worker within our Pre-Birth team.

Child-Centred, Respectful, Creative and Transparent are our company values and this is what you can expect from Together for Children when you join us. An Ofsted-rated Outstanding service.

You will have experience of permanence planning for children and understand our statutory responsibilities for all cared for children. Your primary responsibility will be to support children with a plan of adoption by undertaking high-quality direct work and statutory responsibilities that ensure children are well-prepared for permanence. This includes completing Child Permanence Reports (CPRs), bespoke Later Life Letters, and Life Story Work that is meaningful, therapeutic, and tailored to each child’s individual journey. Your role will be none case holding.

You will join a small social work team and benefit from a high level of support and guidance from a Team Manager and two Assistant Team Managers. Together for Children prides itself on a visible senior management team who promote a nurturing, learning environment with high support and high challenge.

Together for Children have adopted the Signs of Safety model of practice. Signs of Safety is embedded in all areas of practice across the service. Applications are welcomed from those with and without any knowledge and experience of Signs of Safety, as we have the benefit of an extensive training and support offer via our dedicated Practice Development team.

Together for Children firmly believe in investing in our workforce development and recognise the benefits of training our social work staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge to deliver good quality social work. Additional specialist training programmes currently offered to staff include Trauma Informed Practice and Safe & Together training.

As well as an extremely attractive and competitive salary, other benefits of working for Together for Children include flexible working arrangements and an agile working policy.

We have free onsite parking, provide a Local Government Pension Scheme and flexi scheme. A good health and wellbeing programme is also provided to all employees.

Should you be interested in the exciting opportunities available at Together for Children, and would like to have an informal discussion, please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca Pears ([e-mail]).

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.