Social Work

As one of the leading social work recruitment agencies in the UK, we offer the widest range of contract and permanent roles. We recruit for all levels of social services, ensuring that you’ll find the ideal role with us.

Social work recruitment specialists

We specialise in providing a diverse selection of both agency and permanent social work positions. Explore the featured roles below, or use our job search tool to find specific opportunities in your area.

Agency social work jobs

With expertise in agency social work, we present a vast array of fresh and exciting temporary opportunities each month, placing hundreds of locum social work professionals in roles annually.

Permanent social work jobs

Our specialised permanent recruitment team is committed to helping you discover the best long-term opportunities, providing exclusive, high-paying roles that are a perfect match for your skills and preferences.

Featured social work jobs

Children’s social work jobs

We provide a wide range of social work roles within children’s services, including areas such as child protection, referral and assessment, children in need, and fostering.

Adults’ services jobs

We recruit for roles across adults’ services teams, including hospital teams, mental health, adult safeguarding, and services for older people. We’ll present you with a selection of employers and positions tailored to your skills and unique requirements.

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View adults' services jobs

Our clients

ViaR Recruitment partners with a wide variety of organisations across the UK, collaborating with the majority of local authorities and private sector entities to offer social work job opportunities at all levels.

As preferred suppliers to many of our clients, we are committed to tirelessly providing the broadest range of roles for our social workers.

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Why choose ViaR ?

Exclusive jobs

Because we’re trusted by employers to supply exceptional staff, we often have exclusive access to roles, meaning there are jobs available through ViaR that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Wider choice of employers and roles

We provide career opportunities to experienced practitioners across more than 100 organisations nationwide, offering hundreds of roles in both children’s and adults’ services. Whether you’re seeking positions in adult services or frontline work with children in need, we have an extensive selection of permanent and locum social worker roles to match your skills and experience.

Expert knowledge

As a specialist social work agency, we bring in-depth expertise to the sector. Our temporary and permanent recruitment teams consist of skilled and knowledgeable professionals who undergo extensive training, ensuring they are true experts in their fields.

Personal consulting

You will have your own personal consultant from the first time you speak to ViaR. Your consultant’s service will be tailored to you as an individual, identifying ideal opportunities for you.

 

Types of social worker

At ViaR, we offer a wide range of social work opportunities across various specialised fields. The types of social workers we recruit include:

Child protection social workers focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of children who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. They investigate reports of abuse, assess family situations, and develop plans to safeguard children and provide necessary support services.

Referral and assessment social workers review incoming cases to determine the appropriate level of support and intervention required. They gather information, assess needs, and make initial decisions about the services or resources needed by individuals and families.

Fostering social workers work with foster families and children in out-of-home care. They provide support to foster parents, ensure the welfare of fostered children, and facilitate the placement, stability, and development of children in the foster care system.

 

Healthcare and hospital social workers assist individuals and families coping with medical conditions, disabilities, or end-of-life care. They offer emotional support, connect patients with community resources, and help them understand complex healthcare systems.

Adult safeguarding social workers specialize in protecting vulnerable adults, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities, from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. They investigate and address cases of mistreatment and provide support to affected individuals.

Criminal justice social workers work within the criminal justice system, supporting individuals involved in the legal process. They may provide counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration services to offenders, as well as support to crime victims and their families work within the criminal justice system, supporting individuals involved in the legal process. They may provide counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration services to offenders, as well as support to crime victims and their families.

Care Act assessment social workers assess the needs of adults requiring care and support services. They work to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care and assistance to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Each type of social worker plays a vital role in addressing specific societal challenges and promoting the well-being of individuals and families within their respective areas of expertise.

What does a social worker do?

The roles and responsibilities of social workers can differ on a daily basis, depending on the specific field of practice. Below, we’ve highlighted the key duties for each type of social worker:

Social workers undertake the crucial task of evaluating their clients’ requirements, strengths, and challenges. This process involves conducting interviews, making observations, and utilising various assessment tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of the individuals’ unique circumstances.

Social workers play a pivotal role in offering counselling and therapy services to individuals, families, and groups struggling with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and interpersonal issues. Their aim is to provide a supportive and guiding presence to improve mental well-being and overall functioning.

Social workers are dedicated advocates for their clients, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized in society. They actively champion individuals’ rights and interests, tirelessly working to secure improved access to essential services, housing, healthcare, or educational opportunities.

Often serving as proficient case managers, social workers coordinate and oversee a variety of services and resources tailored to their clients’ needs. They craft comprehensive care plans, facilitate connections with suitable services, and ensure that the individuals’ requirements are met.

Specialising in child welfare, social workers are committed to safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions. They complete thorough investigations of reported child maltreatment, arrange secure placements in foster care where necessary, and actively pursue family reunification when feasible.

School social workers are integral in promoting students’ social and emotional development. They tackle issues such as bullying, absences, and academic difficulties, working closely with educators, parents, and school administrators to create a nurturing and productive learning environment.

Within the realm of substance abuse and addiction, social workers offer guidance and support to individuals and families striving to overcome these challenges. Their services include counselling, facilitating connections to treatment programs, and providing assistance throughout the recovery process.

Social workers that specialise in mental health are dedicated to assisting individuals dealing with mental health disorders. They provide therapeutic interventions, crisis management, and equip clients with coping mechanisms while ensuring they access suitable treatment options.

Social workers respond swiftly to crises, whether  they are natural disasters, domestic violence incidents, or community emergencies. They extend immediate support, mobilise essential resources and offer assistance to those affected during these critical moments.

Some social workers focus their efforts on community development, striving to enhance the overall welfare of communities. They actively address social issues, advocate for positive change, and create programs and resources that uplift and empower local residents.

Engaging in policy analysis and advocacy, social workers play a pivotal role in driving social change and addressing systemic challenges. Collaborating with policymakers, organisations, and community groups, they actively contribute to the development and implementation of policies designed to benefit vulnerable populations and promote social justice.

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