Job Description
1 year contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Social Worker (Children’s) role in East Dorset is responsible for delivering statutory children’s services in line with the Children Act 1989 and other relevant legislation.
• The role involves assessing, planning, and safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and their families, working collaboratively with multi-agency teams.
• Opportunities exist at Level 1 (entry/ASYE), Level 2 (Social Worker), and Level 3 (Experienced Social Worker), with clear pathways for professional progression.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Undertake assessments of children’s needs, develop effective plans, and monitor outcomes.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
• Deliver interventions and provide support, information, and advice to families.
• Prepare reports for meetings and court proceedings and attend as required.
• Maintain accurate records on electronic systems and ensure data integrity.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Travel within Dorset (and occasionally outside the county) to meet service users or partner agencies.
• For Level 3: mentor ASYE social workers and support less experienced staff.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience using Dorset Safeguarding Children Board’s Threshold Tool/Continuum of Need model.
• Experience in Child in Need, Child Protection, and Children in Care cases.
• Court report preparation and attendance experience.
• Strong knowledge of statutory legislation, child protection procedures, permanency planning, and early help/prevention.
• Excellent assessment, communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency teams and demonstrate professional behaviours: Respect, Responsibility, Recognition, One Team/Collaboration.
• For Level 3: advanced knowledge in a specialist area, risk management, mentoring, and leadership skills.
Additional Information:
• Maintain Social Work England registration and comply with statutory responsibilities.
• Car access required for travel across Dorset.
• Opportunities for professional progression to Advanced Practitioner or Team Manager roles.
Requirements
• Experience using Dorset Safeguarding Children Board’s Threshold Tool/Continuum of Need model. • Experience in Child in Need, Child Protection, and Children in Care cases. • Court report preparation and attendance experience. • Strong knowledge of statutory legislation, child protection procedures, permanency planning, and early help/prevention. • Excellent assessment, communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills. • Ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency teams and demonstrate professional behaviours: Respect, Responsibility, Recognition, One Team/Collaboration. • For Level 3: advanced knowledge in a specialist area, risk management, mentoring, and leadership skills.