Experienced Social Worker (Child Protection)
5 days ago – be among the first 25 applicants.
We’re proud to say Dorset Council has recently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our work with children, young people and families. This reflects our commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice and the positive culture we’ve built across our services.
Lead national change
Dorset was one of just three Pathfinder sites selected nationally for the Families First for Children programme. This means that we helped in leading a new approach to child protection that will shape the future of social work in England.
A new way of working
Our approach keeps families at the centre. We’ve redesigned child protection conferences to encourage genuine collaboration and reduce jargon. Our Quality Assurance Reviewing Officers (QAROs) work directly with families, helping explain processes, build understanding, and maintain regular contact. You’ll have the support of our Safeguarding Together teams – multidisciplinary professionals working together across each locality. These teams were developed in-house following a successful pilot and are now fully embedded into everyday practice.
A culture of development
We take professional development seriously. We have an extensive training offer and you’ll access training in motivational interviewing, restorative practice and strength-based approaches. You’ll also have protected time for both individual and group supervision. Our regular Partnership Workforce Events are a chance to step back, challenge current thinking and shape new ideas.
We know social work can be demanding. That’s why we invest in your wellbeing with talking therapies, support from our Mental Health Champions, and practical workshops led by our Employee Wellbeing Team.
Locality-based working
Our service is split into four localities: East Dorset & Purbeck, West Dorset & Dorchester, Chesil (Weymouth & Portland), and North Dorset. While each area has its own unique geography, you’ll be part of a wider integrated team including early help, SEND, education and inclusion colleagues. Please state your preference on your application.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you’ll work with families who are subject to Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings and court proceedings. Your responsibilities will include:
* Delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation
* Undertaking assessments of children’s needs and developing effective, timely plans
* Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children through direct work and support
* Working in partnership with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention
* Preparing high-quality reports for court and other professional settings
* Chairing multi-agency meetings to review and progress plans
* Keeping accurate and up-to-date records using our case management system
* Working closely with the Lead Family Help Practitioner to provide expert child protection input
* Undertaking specialist assessments once training has been completed
About You
You need to have a Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and you must have a valid driver's licence and access to a car. You will need to have completed your ASYE and have child protection experience in Children’s Services.
You will be able to demonstrate a high level of skill and knowledge in statutory social care services, with experience of delivering complex court proceedings in a variety of court settings.
Due to the current need, applications can only be accepted from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.
You Must
* Have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
* Have a valid driver's licence and access to a car
* Have the right to work in the UK
Travel & Working Conditions
This role is full time, 37 hours a week but flexible working will be considered. The post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or other suitable transport) available for use as needed.
Benefits & Package
* Initial advance of up to £2,500 payable when you start
* Help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to £6,500)
* Option to receive help towards your rent or mortgage in the first two years
Relocation expenses package: up to £8,000 (HMRC eligible elements) are free of tax. We can offer you help to move whether you are looking to buy or rent, depending on your circumstances.
Friends and Family Referral Scheme
The friends and family referral scheme applies to this post. If an employee recommended this post to you, mention them when asked on your application. They'll give you all the information you need.
Apply / Contact
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact our Principal Social Worker, Sarah‑Louise Clark at [email protected].
Legal Statements
This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders. See the policy on safeguarding children and young people. See the children’s social worker framework.
We’re Committed to Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. If you need any reasonable adjustments, let us know on your application.
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