Why choose Wakefield?
There has never been a better time to join Wakefield. We’ve been on a significant transformation journey. At the heart of our success has been our workforce. Creating the right environment for good social work to thrive with:
- manageable caseloads
- small, close-knit teams
- supportive management
- a culture of learning and support
We are looking for more ambitious and passionate people to join our team. We hope you choose Wakefield and realise your potential with us.
“The context in Wakefield allows me to find creative ways to shape services. I can problem-solve and make changes which will lead to better outcomes for children. I am able to do my best here.”
Social worker health check - 2023
Our ambition / vision
We are ambitious for our district’s children and young people. Our vision is for children and young people to tell us they are happy, healthy and safe. In thriving communities where families and services work together.
- small, stable team
- manageable caseloads
- competitive salary
- flexible working
- stable leadership team
- clear routes for progression
Our social work offer
At Wakefield we’re nurturing the right environment for good social work to thrive. Our staff are at the heart of that vision.
Competitive salary
We take pride in our social workers and that’s reflected in our pay package.
Supportive supervision
Rated outstanding for leadership by Ofsted. Our management team are stable, approachable, supportive and present.
Manageable caseloads
Being a social worker is challenging enough without overwhelming case numbers. We aim to keep our caseloads under 20. Or under 15 if you’re newly qualified or an advanced social worker practitioner. We have measures in place to make sure it stays that way.
A learning culture
Ofsted inspector reported we “excel as a learning organisation”. We have an in-house Learning Academy team and website offering bespoke
Partnership working
Ofsted inspectors noted our strong multi-agency partnership working. Our “joined-up thinking” and co-located teams allowed staff to have a “positive impact”.
Clear progression pathways
We care about nurturing talent and experience. It’s why we built clear pathways for progression based on your strengths and experience.
Great rewards and benefits
28 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) as standard at Wakefield. An essential car user payment (service area dependant) and a Blue Light Card. Generous pension contribution and maternity allowance, and an understanding sickness policy.
Find out more about the benefits of working for Wakefield Council.
You can also view this information with our accessible document version.
Great commuter networks
You’ll find us in a prime commuter location in the heart of Yorkshire. With excellent access to the motorway network and public transport routes.
“Social work is the same job in every authority. But what makes Wakefield different is the working environment. It is supportive, they provide a variety of learning opportunities. We’re all provided with regular supervision and support.”
Kerry, Service Manager
Our trophy cabinet
Good with Outstanding leadership
We have transformed in three years. From inadequate to Good with Outstanding leadership. One of the fastest improvement journeys of a council-maintained children’s service. All during a pandemic too.
Top rating for Local Area special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspection
Inspected by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Reviewing the district’s arrangements for education, health and social care services. Inspectors recognised that the partnership working ‘led to positive experiences and outcomes’. Our leaders were praised for being ambitious for our children and young people. Our children and young people in the district are typically achieving strong outcomes.
Last three children’s homes rated as Outstanding by Ofsted
Regent Home is our third council run children’s home rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Joining Cottam Croft House and The Croft.
National winners of the LGC Children’s Services Award 2022
Judges comments on our entry demonstrated:
“a strongly advanced, and locally driven improvement journey. Supported by the whole council, delivering measurable benefits for children.”
Key features that stood out:
- impact supported by robust data
- an engaged and enthusiastic workforce
- a ‘safe-space’ for social workers to practice
- a clear vision of next steps in achieving outstanding status
A highly commended innovation of children in care sufficiency in LGC Awards 2024
In a competitive year, our submission was:
'Excellent. Evidence of innovation and whole scale change. Addressing the national challenge of children in care sufficiency. Our integrated model children's home is a national exemplar of best practice. And is able to evidence excellent impact for children accessing the service."
A highly commended workforce transformation in MJ Awards 2022
Following record entries, we were finalists in the workforce transformation category. We came away with ‘highly commended’ for our impact and scale of change.