Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team
2 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.
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. This means 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) and pay protection will not apply.
From 1 December the Recruitment & Retention Supplement for this role may be up to £3,249 per annum (pro rata for part time colleagues). Recruitment and 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 being introduced on 1 December 2025.
We can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on the “More than just a job” brochure.
This is what our current workforce say about working for BCP Council in Dorset.
“As for a social worker, there is career progression that is encouraged within BCP and it's a very rewarding job and something that I absolutely love.”
“It's a lovely place to come and live and work. So if you're not from the local area, come down to Dorset. It's a wonderful county and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are vibrant, busy urban areas right on the sea front.”
“I've never felt so supported.”
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 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).
Are you also passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives?
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is looking for dedicated, compassionate and experienced Social Workers to join our team at Levels 2 & 3. We are proud to have achieved a GOOD rating from Ofsted in Dec 2024, recognising our commitment to providing excellent care and support for children and families.
At BCP, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to continuing building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Your unique experiences and perspectives will help us continue delivering outstanding care to children in our community.
If you are an experienced Social Worker we want to hear from you. If you are reflective, proactive and resilient, have the desire to make a real difference and ensure children and their voices are at the heart of everything you do, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council could be the place for you.
It is a really exciting time here in BCP Children’s Services and you have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our most vulnerable children and young people and impact on our improvement journey. We are committed to recruiting, developing and supporting outstanding dedicated social workers, to enable our children to grow and flourish. If you like a challenge, want to work in an authority where you can feel the difference you are making, then please give us a call.
Requirements & Qualifications
We need the following:
* Experience of a mentoring role in front line social work of less experienced staff including new and newly qualified staff, and SW students on placement;
* Post‑qualifying award (e.g. Practice Education), and/or be willing to undertake Practice Education training;
* Working to the DfE Knowledge and Skills statements for child and family practitioners;
* Ability to work with very complex referrals and complex casework and have high quality skills in analysis of risk and decision making;
* Strong and confident presentation skills;
* Strong conflict resolution skills;
* A commitment to continuous professional development;
* Develop and maintain a professional network to share expertise and support outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
We Will Require You To
* Be able to travel across the full Council area in a timely manner.
* Have significant experience of front line safeguarding social work.
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
Nigel Burton, Service Manager for Assessment
Email: nigel.burton@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Check out our academy website for more details: BCP Partnership Academy
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 beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Benefits
We offer an enhanced benefit package including fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Whether it’s flexible working, wellbeing support, or opportunities for career progression, our new approach puts people first.
DBS
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.
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