Social Worker – Assessment Team

Devon County Council

• Up to £42 per hour premium agency rate
• Fast-paced frontline Assessment service with strong management support
• Excellent opportunity to strengthen Section 17 and Section 47 experience
• Supportive team culture with regular reflective supervision
• Opportunity to make immediate impact at the front door of children’s services

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for your next frontline role? Devon County Council is seeking a skilled practitioner to join its Assessment Service, where you will work with children and families at the point of referral, completing timely assessments and ensuring the right plans are put in place from the outset.

Paying up to £42 per hour, this is an excellent opportunity to join a respected authority with a strong focus on quality assessments, timely decision-making, and effective multi-agency safeguarding responses. You will play a key role in identifying risk, understanding family strengths, and ensuring children receive the right support at the earliest stage.

About the Local Authority

Devon County Council is known for its relationship-based practice, strong leadership, and commitment to delivering high-quality frontline services. The Assessment Service works closely with MASH, safeguarding, early help, and partner agencies to ensure children and families receive proportionate and effective interventions. Practitioners benefit from visible managers, robust supervision, and a culture that values analytical assessments and child-centred planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete single assessments, Section 17 assessments, and Section 47 enquiries within statutory timescales.
• Respond to referrals and undertake timely visits, risk assessments, and safety planning.
• Make clear threshold recommendations around Child in Need, Child Protection, Early Help, or step-down pathways.
• Work directly with children and families to gather lived experiences and assess immediate and longer-term risk.
• Liaise with police, health, schools, and partner agencies to support robust decision-making.
• Prepare high-quality assessment reports, strategy meeting notes, and conference reports.
• Present cases for next-step planning, including transfer into CIN, CP, court, or specialist services.
• Ensure the child’s voice remains central to all assessments and planning.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Previous experience within an Assessment, Duty, MASH, or Front Door Team.
• Strong knowledge of Section 17, Section 47, threshold decision-making, and Working Together guidance.
• Confident in crisis response, analytical assessment writing, and multi-agency working.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced statutory environment.
• Excellent communication and risk analysis skills.

Why Work With Us?

• Up to £42 per hour excellent market rate.
• Stable contract within a well-supported frontline service.
• Strong management presence and regular reflective supervision.
• Excellent opportunity to strengthen frontline assessment experience.
• Flexible working arrangements and positive team culture.
• Referral bonus available for successful recommendations.

Contact

Josh Dhumisani
📞 07902371315
📧 jdhumisani@sheldon-phillips.com