Overview
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - PLO and Court Team
BCP Council is recruiting experienced Social Workers to join our Level 2 & 3 PLO and Court Teams within Children’s Services. The teams are co-located at the Civic Centre Bournemouth and work flexibly across the BCP area.
Salary and Pay Updates
From 1 December 2025, our refreshed Pay and Reward package takes effect. The base pay range for this role (Level 2-3) will be £42,839 - £53,460 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). Recruitment and Retention Supplements are in addition to base salary and are awarded at the Council's discretion. Details below:
* Current Level 2 Recruitment & Retention Supplement: £4,234 per annum (pro rata)
* From 1 December: may be up to £1,331 per annum (pro rata)
* Current Level 3 Recruitment & Retention Supplement: £5,719 per annum (pro rata)
* From 1 December: may be up to £3,249 per annum (pro rata)
Note: Recruitment and Retention Supplements are temporary and subject to the Interim Salary Supplement policy, replaced by the Pay and Allowances policy on 1 December 2025.
About the Team
BCP Council Children's Services have two specialist PLO and Court Teams made up of:
* 1 Team Manager
* 1 Assistant Team Manager
* 7 social workers
* 1 Family Practitioner
The teams are co-located with other Children’s Services teams and can work across the BCP area.
What We Do
We work with families to address the needs and risks of children and families, supporting issues such as domestic abuse, adult mental health and substance misuse. We use the Parental Substance Misuse Court (PSMC) where appropriate. The PLO process aims to divert or properly prepare cases for court, focusing on timely decisions and permanency planning for children. When permanency outside the home is needed, arrangements are made with the Children in Care team or Aspire Adoption Team.
We are committed to best practice and continuous improvement to ensure children's voices are heard and risks are reduced.
Are you passionate about making a real difference?
BCP Council is seeking dedicated, compassionate and experienced Social Workers to join our team. We have achieved a GOOD rating from Ofsted in Dec 2024 and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Role Requirements
To apply at Level 2 or Level 3, you will need:
* Experience mentoring frontline social workers, new staff and students
* Post-qualifying award (Practice Education) or willingness to undertake training
* Working to the DfE Knowledge and Skills statements for child and family practitioners
* Ability to work with complex referrals and casework with strong risk analysis and decision-making skills
* Strong, confident presentation and conflict resolution skills
* Commitment to continuous professional development
* Develop and maintain a professional network to support outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
We require:
* Ability to travel across the full Council area in a timely manner
* Significant frontline safeguarding experience
What We Offer
* Full induction with a supportive Practice Fundamentals offer
* Clear career progression pathway and learning opportunities
* Manageable and diverse caseloads
* Regular supervision
* 25 days annual leave (pro rata for shorter service) plus bank holidays
* Competitive salary with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
* Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices with Local Offices nearby
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Relocation Scheme
* Staff network groups
For Informal Discussion
For an informal discussion about the roles, contact:
Vanessa Johns, Service Manager for Children and Families First and PLO & Court
Check the BCP Partnership Academy 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. We offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services, with a vision of a thriving, world-class, inclusive place for generations to come.
Be the Difference
Be the difference – join an organisation that values you. From 1 December 2025, a new Pay and Reward package will be introduced. This package aims to be fair, transparent and supportive, including flexible working and wellbeing support. Details are available on the employee benefits page on the careers site.
DBS information and full job details are available via the application page.
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