Overview
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team
Salary and pay updates
From 1 December 2025, our refreshed Pay and Reward package comes into effect, bringing a new approach to how we recognise and reward roles across the Council. The salary for this role will be changing. The pay range for this role (Level 2 - 3) will be £42,839 - £53,460 (pro rata for part time colleagues) from 1 December 2025 and pay protection will not apply.
Recruitment & Retention Supplements are in addition to the base salary. They are temporary and awarded solely at the discretion of BCP Council, in accordance with our Interim Salary Supplement policy, which will be replaced by the new Pay and Allowances policy on 1 December 2025.
From 1 December the Recruitment & Retention Supplement for this role may be up to £3,356 per annum (pro rata for part time colleagues) for Level 2, and up to £3,249 per annum (pro rata for part time colleagues) for Level 3.
About our team
BCP Council Children's Services have 4 Assessment Teams which are made up of 1 Team Manager, 1 Assistant Team Manager and 6 Social Workers. The teams are co-located alongside the other Children's services teams at the Civic Centre Bournemouth, but work flexibly across the BCP area.
Our goal
Gaining an understanding of a child's circumstances, within their family, in a short period of time, then developing and supporting a plan to make a positive difference. Good assessment work is vital for a good children's service.
Our work
The Assessment Team undertake an initial single assessment within a statutory timescale and continuous assessments from referral through to case closure. They facilitate family network meetings to help to bring the family's support network together. Work from this team will either close, step down or transfer to another team at an agreed time. Social workers sit in four pods with a four-weekly turnaround (the 20-day time limit on assessments).
What we are looking for
* have experience of a mentoring role in front line SW of less experienced staff including new and newly qualified staff, and SW students on placement
* have post-qualifying award (e.g Practice Education), and/or be willing to undertake Practice Education training
* be already working to the DfE Knowledge and Skills statements for child and family practitioners
* be able to work with very complex referrals and complex casework and have high quality skills in analysis of risk and decision making
* have strong and confident presentation skills
* have strong conflict resolution skills
* have a commitment to continuous professional development
* develop and maintain a professional network, to share expertise and in order to support the outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
What we will require you to do
* be able to travel across the full Council area in a timely manner
* have significant experience of front line safeguarding
What we can offer you
* Full induction, with a very supportive Practice Fundamentals offer
* Clear career progression pathway and excellent learning opportunities
* Manageable and diverse caseloads
* Regular Supervision
* 25 days annual leave (pro rata, for those without continuous service), plus bank holidays
* Competitive salary with access to local government pension scheme
* Flexible working arrangements in our newly refurbished Civic Offices with Local Offices near to where you need to work
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Relocation Scheme
* Staff network groups
Contact for informal discussion
For an informal discussion about any of the roles above, please contact:
Nigel Burton, Service Manager for Assessment
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of coastline. We offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
From 1 December 2025, we introduce a new Pay and Reward package as part of a modern, inclusive and supportive workplace. The enhanced offer includes fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Flexible working, wellbeing support, and opportunities for career progression are part of the package. Check out our enhanced benefits and the new Pay and Reward package on the careers site.
Compliance
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. See the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.
Attachments
Attached documents
* Social Worker JD and PS BCP.pdf
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