East Renfrewshire Council is recruiting three social workers for its children and families service in Barrhead, paying between £43,706 and £48,633 a year.

The permanent, full-time posts are based at Barrhead Council Offices, and applications close at midnight on Sunday 22 November 2026. The vacancies are advertised on myjobscotland, the official recruitment portal for Scottish councils.

What the roles involve

The social workers will join the children and families community team, supporting children, young people and families, including children looked after at home or away from home, children subject to child protection and children affected by disability.

There are also posts in the council's intensive services. The Intensive Family Support Team works with families from the pre-birth stage until children reach 12, providing intensive support to help children remain at home. The Youth Intensive Services Team supports young people up to the age of 26.

The partnership says it uses a Signs of Safety, strengths-based approach to assessment and intervention, with meaningful participation from families at the heart of its work. The posts are 35 hours a week at Grade 10, with an hourly rate of £23.95 to £26.65.

Who should apply

Applications are welcome from qualified social workers with all types of experience, including those who have been qualified for a number of years and newly qualified social workers. The council says it wants people with a passion for direct work with families and values aligned to authentic co-production with families.

The posts require Scottish Social Services Council registration. Applicants who are not yet registered must apply to register within the first three months of employment, and until full registration is obtained they will start as a Social Work Assistant at Grade 7, on £32,008 to £34,399.

The posts are regulated work with children and protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, so it is an offence to apply if barred from working with children or protected adults. Applicants who have lived or worked outside the UK in the past 10 years may need an overseas police check.

Recruitment timetable

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 22 November 2026. Shortlisting is planned for Tuesday 24 November, with interviews on Tuesday 8 December 2026.

Anyone wanting an informal discussion about a post can contact Ruth Gorman, Service Manager, on 0141-577-8300. The advert states that East Renfrewshire Council does not provide visa sponsorship for these posts, and that applicants will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

How to apply

Applications are made online through myjobscotland, where the full advert is published. The council asks applicants to complete the form in their own words and not to use AI tools to write it, warning that an application that appears to have been AI generated may not be considered.