Leaving Care Social Worker Somerset

Locum Social Worker – Leaving Care (16+)

Bridgwater, Somerset
£38.00 per hour (Umbrella)
37 hours per week
Hybrid working – minimum 2 days per week in the office
Initial 12-week contract
Role created due to increased service demand

Somerset Council are looking for an experienced Qualified Social Worker to step into a unique short-term locum role within Leaving Care, supporting young people aged 16+ as they move from residential homes into supported accommodation.

This is a relationship-based role, working alongside an allocated Social Worker and acting as a Leaving Care Personal Advisor, helping young people navigate one of the most significant stages of their lives, moving towards independence.

About the Role

This post blends Qualified Social Work responsibilities with Leaving Care duties, ensuring young people remain at the centre of everything you do.

You will:

• Support and progress young people aged 16+ transitioning from residential care into supported accommodation
• Work in line with Care Plans and Pathway Plans, co-producing next steps with young people
• Fulfil statutory Social Work duties alongside Leaving Care statutory responsibilities during your period of involvement
• Provide short-term Leaving Care PA support to other young people where required
• Advocate for young people, ensuring their voice is heard and their needs are met
• Keep the young person as the focus - always the most important person in the process

This is a hands-on, purposeful role where your impact will be immediate and meaningful.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England
• Minimum 3 years’ post-qualifying experience within a Local Authority children’s team
• Experience working with Children Looked After and Leaving Care
• A genuine commitment to relationship-based social work
• Confident, reflective and creative in how you build trust with young people
• Competent IT skills, with the ability to use or quickly learn Liquid Logic
• Full driving licence and access to your own vehicle (travel required across Somerset and occasionally further afield)

What Somerset Offer

• A supportive, welcoming team who are passionate about improving outcomes for young people
• Experienced Social Work and Leaving Care Managers, providing regular formal and informal, young-person-focused supervision
• A service committed to motivational interviewing and strengths-based practice
• Strong multi-agency working and a culture that values reflection and professional development

Benefits of working for Hoop:

• 20 years’ experience of the Social Work market
• Your local agency based in Cardiff
• Welsh-speaking consultant available should you wish to converse in Welsh throughout your job search
• PAYE and Umbrella payroll options available – you choose!
• Dedicated point of contact (support team to cover whilst on leave)
• Twice weekly payroll
• Actively supplying every Local Authority in South/West Wales and South West England
• Provides free training sessions (Contributes CPD)
• Refer a friend scheme available
• Birthday gifts 
• Wellbeing sessions

Contact Sarah Leigh at Hoop Social Work in Cardiff today on 02922 400519 for an informal chat.