Social worker jobs

It's a great time to work at Barking at Dagenham, we have been named Council of the Year in the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2018 and have Silver Investors in People status showing our commitment to our staff. We are always on the looks out for social work applicants who are eager to achieve more.

Council job vacancies

Rewards and benefits

We are currently reviewing our pay and benefits offer. The details in this advert reflect the offer that is in place at the time of this recruitment campaign. Shortlisted/Successful Applicants will be advised of any changes as and when the review has been implemented.

You will receive:

up to 30 days annual leave
Local Government Pension Scheme
varied working options including flexi-time and term time contracts
season ticket / travel loans
discounted parking and car allowance for children's social workers
staff support and networking groups
retail, holiday and travel discounts with our Wider Wallet scheme
cycle purchase scheme

In some teams you will also receive a recruitment and retention allowance of £2,500 with your first salary payment and an annual £2,500 retention payment (terms and conditions apply).

Step up to social work

Step Up to Social Work is a Department for Education (DfE) initiative which aims to increase the number of high quality social workers by supporting graduates and career changers to start a new career in social work, working with vulnerable children, young people and families.

Step Up to Social Work is a full-time, fully funded Programme, providing a recognised social work qualification
It’s 14-months of intensive study and work based placements
Leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work

The programme is delivered locally by the University of East London in partnership with local authorities across North East London including the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Applications for places open on the Department for Education website on 15 February 2021 and close on 7 April 2021.
The programme will commence in January 2022, finishing in March 2023.

You are eligible to apply for the programme if you have:

An honours degree (1st or 2.1) OR
A 2.2 honours degree with an additional post graduate qualification at level 6, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree AND
GCSE Maths and English at grades C or above (or equivalent) AND
Experience of working with children and families

For more information and to apply please click on the following link to the DfE website.

You can also book a place on one of the North East London online information sessions, delivered by Programme Co-ordintors from across North East London and UEL.

The sessions will provide information on the academic programme, selection process, funding arrangments, and more.

Book a place at one of the events please below:

Session One: Tuesday 2 March 5.30pm to 7pm via Zoom

Session Two: Wednesday 10 March 5.30pm to 7pm via Zoom

Session Three: Saturday 20 March 10.30am to 12pm via Zoom

Session: Four: Monday 22 March 11am to 12.30am via Zoom

Hear what it is like to be a social worker

Social Care recruitment video - Nehemiah Small

See more videos

Housing for social workers Toggle accordion

We understand that leaving your current home and country can be a daunting experience. We offer key worker housing options and a great relocation package.

Our offer includes a £7,500 relocation package to help with moving costs. Terms and conditions apply.

Learning and development Toggle accordion

Excellent training and development opportunities will be provided as you progress further, and our supportive and open structure ensures you will have all the support that you need, when you need it.

We have a range of learning and development opportunities, including:

an annual programme of masterclasses by eminent researchers and leading practitioners focusing on current national and local issues
the Local Safeguarding Children Board training programme
funding for post-qualification development
professional development sessions specifically designed for social workers
North East London Partnership training programmes for children’s and adult services
Research in Practice membership

Career progression

We aim to support and encourage our staff to progress and develop. We have developed career progression framework that guidance tool for your professional development.

What you need to apply Toggle accordion

Minimum experience required:

2 years post-qualification experience to apply for experienced social worker
3 years post-qualification experience to apply for senior social worker Post Qualifying Child Care Award or Practice Learning Award

Documentation needed:

proof that you have the right to work in the UK
original certificates of qualifications relevant for the position you are applying for
HCPC certificate and card, if you're invited for an interview
DBS checks and references from your current and previous employer will be carried out

We are committed to making the recruitment process accessible. If you have a disability we can accommodate your needs through the application and assessment process. Let us know of any specific requirements that you may have in the application form.

Find out more from our team Toggle accordion

We always value the opinions of our staff, as they are the ones on the frontline, striving to do more for the community and improving lives daily.