Job Introduction
Social Workers (Level 2 and 3) : PLO and Court Teams
Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), Dorset
Salary: Competitive + Local Government Pension + Potential Relocation Scheme
Contract: Full:time and Part:Time, Permanent
Make a real difference in childrens lives. Join us at BCP Council.
Were proud to have achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating (Dec 2024), and were on an exciting improvement journey. Now, were looking for experienced, passionate Social Workers to join our specialist PLO and Court Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to the children and families who need us most.
Why BCP?
Our workforce says it best:
Career progression is encouraged within BCP : its a rewarding job and something I absolutely love.
Its a lovely place to live and work. Dorset is a wonderful county, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are vibrant, busy urban areas right on the sea front.
Ive never felt so supported
Check out this video: A day in the life of three social workers at BCP Council on Vimeo
About the Role
Our two specialist PLO and Court Teams work with families where concerns have reached the threshold for pre:proceedings. Families are presented at Legal Gateway Panel to consider if the threshold is met and to devise a plan of support. If so, the family is invited to a formal PLO meeting with legal representation to collaborate on an action plan to reduce risks to the child(ren).
Youll work closely with families to address needs and risks, supporting them with issues such as domestic abuse, adult mental health, and substance misuse. We also work with the Parental Substance Misuse Court (PSMC). Issuing care proceedings is always the last resort:the PLO process represents a genuine opportunity to work collaboratively with families to avoid court where possible.
There is a strong emphasis on securing permanency for children and exploring family support networks to reduce risk and increase safety. For children who require permanency outside the home, youll work jointly with the Children in Care Team or Aspire Adoption Team to ensure smooth transitions.
What Were Looking For
Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work
Ability to manage complex referrals and casework
Strong analytical, decision:making, and conflict resolution skills
Experience mentoring less experienced staff or students
Commitment to continuous professional development
Willingness to undertake Practice Education training if not already qualified
Youll also need to be able to travel across the BCP area.
What We Offer
Full induction and Practice Fundamentals support
Clear career progression and excellent learning opportunities
Manageable caseloads and regular supervision
28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices
Employee Assistance Programme
Relocation Scheme
Staff network groups
Ready to Join Us?
If youre reflective, proactive, resilient, and passionate about putting childrens voices at the heart of everything you do, wed love to hear from you.
Find out more about our new terms and conditions in our More than just a job brochure on our careers site.
For an informal discussion, contact Vanessa Johns, Service Manager for Children and Families First and PLO and Court at .
Apply today and help us make a difference.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
The pay range for this role will be GBP 44,075: GBP 53,460 (pro rata for part:time colleagues).
Were looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns w