In October 2022 Darlington was Ofsted rated Good with Outstanding services for Children in Care and Care Leavers
This what Ofsted said about us -
and#39;Staff are attracted to working in Darlington because of the benefits of the relational practice model and the positive workforce culture. Workers in Darlington are extremely committed to the local authority and feel valued by senior leaders. Social workers we spoke to describe an environment where they feel confident and supported by their managers to make decisions. They feel cared about and supported by them.and#39;
and#39;There is a strong focus on ensuring that workers have access to a range of good-quality and up-to-date training and development opportunities. Training has informed and enhanced the quality of relational social work practice.and#39;
Darlington Childrenandrsquo;s Services have implemented Strengthening Families - Family Valued programme which aims to:
andmiddot; Support the Council to safely and appropriately reduce the need for children and young people to enter the looked after system
andmiddot; Create the conditions for good social work practice by supporting the development of a Borough wide culture and ethos of restorative and relational working
andmiddot; Improve the effectiveness of Local Authority Childrenandrsquo;s Services
We are seeking enthusiastic, driven and motivated individuals who want to be part our vision. You will be instrumental in creating an environment that supports and enables relational practice, building local capacity, relationship and skills and innovation.
If you are an enthusiastic and dynamic Social Worker, either experienced or newly qualified, who brings passion and commitment to achieving the best for the most vulnerable families and have experience in working with Children in Care or Care Leavers either as a Social Worker or Social Work student, we would like to hear from you.
You will have access to regular training, reflective supervision and support from Senior Managers.
We have a strong commitment to professional development throughout all our Childrenandrsquo;s Service areas, with a training programme that is workforce-led and has strong links to supervision, appraisal and audit.
Our refreshed progression model further compliments personal and professional growth, with a structure that optimises succession planning into management roles.
We support and encourage involvement throughout all areas, with regular opportunities readily available through a range of forums, which also focus on building resilience and well-being.
We are progressive and forward thinking and a modern and dynamic service that supports our children to thrive.
For detailed information on this role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Appointment and / or progression to Band 10/11 is subject to meeting DBC progression criteria.
This post is eligible for a Social Worker Recruitment and Retention payment paid annually for up to 3 years to Social Workers with a minimum of one yearand#39;s post qualifying experience in a Social Worker role who have successfully completed their ASYE programme (if applicable). The payment is currently andpound;2,500 per annum (pro-rata for part time hours, reviewed annually).
This role offers a flexible, blended approach to home and office working.
Additionally other benefits of working for Darlington Council include;
andbull;32 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
andbull; Generous Pension Scheme
andbull; Generous schemes for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave
andbull; Green Car Leasing Scheme
andbull; Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
andbull; Physiotherapy service
andbull; Free confidential counselling service
andbull; Great wellbeing offer
andbull; Cycle to Work Scheme
andbull; Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
andbull; Arriva Employee Travel Club
For our full range of benefits, please see our Total Reward Bookletandnbsp;
The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and Childrenand#39;s Barred List check and re-checking from time to time in line with the Counciland#39;s policy.
For an infromal discussion, please contact Lois Hunter on 07808078517 or email lois.hunter@darlington.gov.uk
Interviews will be held face to face at Pease House, Darlington on 24th April 2025, they will comprise of a young persons interview as well as role specific interview.andnbsp;
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .