Newly Qualified Social Worker (Children's)

Build Your Practice. Be Supported. Make a Difference.

A fantastic opportunity to start a career in children’s social work as the first supported step of quality long term career development.

“Senior leaders and politicians are relentless in their drive to continue to improve the lives of Cornwall’s children and families… Staff’s care, commitment and child‑focused approach shine through.”
— Ofsted, July 2024

The Service and Team

Cornwall isn’t just a fantastic place to live, it’s an inspiring place to begin your social work career.

Fresh from our ‘Good with Outstanding features’ Ofsted judgement (July 2024), children’s services in Cornwall are on an ambitious journey of improvement, grounded in strong leadership, reflective practice and a clear focus on outcomes for children and families.

Our transformed Family Help model brings together the best of Early Help and Child in Need practice, co‑designed with practitioners to deliver effective, compassionate and truly child‑centred support. We invest where it matters most: every Family Help Team is strengthened by integrated domestic abuse expertise and dedicated clinical psychology input, and families benefit from strong participation approaches including Family Group Conferencing, Family Led Meetings, and consistent use of genograms and ecomaps.

We believe that the children of Cornwall deserve the very best. We put their needs at the heart of everything we do and we are looking for Newly Qualified Social Workers who share our determination to improve lives and help build brighter futures.

If you are committed to continuing professional development and believe in compassionate, relationship‑based social work with children and families, this is an excellent opportunity to launch your career within an innovative and supportive children’s service, in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

The Role

This role is part of the Department for Education (DfE) Early Career Development Framework Programme, an employer‑led induction designed to support Newly Qualified Social Workers in the early stage of practice working with children and families.

You will benefit from a structured, nurturing and high‑quality program, including:

• A tailored induction within a direct practice team
• Support from a dedicated Practice Educator and Learning Buddy
• A bespoke learning plan, reviewed throughout the year
• An outstanding core curriculum of evidence‑based learning and development
• Bespoke practice workshops alongside NQSW colleagues across the service
• Monthly ASYE peer support meetings
• A protected and gradually increasing caseload
• Regular reflective supervision

The role focuses on developing confident, reflective practitioners whose work prioritises positive outcomes for children and families, relational practice, consistency and long‑term professional growth.

This is a public/customer‑facing role, where the statutory English language requirement applies.

Appointment is subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

To apply, you must:

• Have qualified on a relevant social work course within the last two years
• Be registered with Social Work England
• Due to the rural nature of Cornwall, this role requires travel to locations not always served by public transport; therefore, a full, clean driving licence is essential.

What You’ll Get in Return

Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high‑performing council, and a learning organisation. We are committed to supporting our workforce through flexible working, strong leadership and a comprehensive rewards and benefits package.

In recognition of the vital contribution you make, we offer:

• A competitive starting salary, with progression as you develop
• A generous relocation package
• An outstanding career and qualification pathway, recognised by Ofsted
• Access to the Cornwall Council lease car scheme
• 26 days paid annual leave (rising to 29 with service), plus bank holidays
• Flexible working and home‑working opportunities
• Full access to Community Care Inform and Research in Practice
• Annual payment of your Social Work England registration fees