We are seeking an experienced social worker to work within the Children in Our Care team at Bedford Borough supporting Looked After Children from the age of 0 to18 years, including separated migrant children.

This role will include care planning to provide permanency for our children and young people, whilst also improving education, health and social outcomes.

Fulfilling statutory requirements whilst maintaining the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Local Authority care is a fundamental element of the role, as well as productive partnership working and advocacy.

This role requires the post holder to invest in our Parenting Together approach in order to promote the best outcomes for the children and young people in our care.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 23rd March 2026

Interview Date(s): 2nd & 3rd April 2026

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Visa Sponsorship

The Council has a sponsorship licence, and may be able to offer visa sponsorship to candidates for this post that are based in the UK

Enhanced DBS Post 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

FTE Salary: £41,771 to £45,091

Plus MRS £6,000 per annum (subject to annual review)

Plus welcome & retention payments.