Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children and Families First Team
Salary Band I: £37,938 - £40,476 p.a. plus £4,234 p.a. contractual supplement; Band J: £41,511 - £44,711 p.a. plus £5,719 contractual supplement p.a.
Job Introduction
This is what our current workforce says about working for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) in Dorset:
"I've never felt so supported"
"BCP is like ‘One big family’ which is really rewarding."
"I think just because you can do a lot of different direct work with children. For example, I last year was able to go crabbing, which was the family’s idea. We went to the beach and collected crabs. It was fascinating."
About our team
Safeguarding is everyone's business. While initial risk assessments are conducted in the assessment service, the Children and Families First teams handle cases requiring longer-term intervention at level 4 to reduce risk and promote positive change. The teams work with families where children are assessed as children in need or at risk of harm. They regularly review assessments and plans to prevent drift and ensure timely progress. The teams collaborate with families and other agencies to support children under child in need and child protection plans, and in some cases, children at the early stages of being looked after. Interventions within our restorative practice framework focus on addressing and reducing risk, emphasizing co-production, safety planning, strong relationships, early permanence planning, and legal interventions when safety is a concern.
Each of the 6 Children and Families First teams comprises a Team Manager, ATM, 7 social workers, and a family support practitioner. All statutory teams are co-located within the Civic Centre, Bournemouth, but operate flexibly across the BCP area.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives?
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council seeks dedicated, compassionate, and experienced Social Workers at Levels 2 & 3. We are proud of our 'GOOD' Ofsted rating from December 2024, reflecting our commitment to excellent care and support for children and families.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. Your unique experiences will help us deliver outstanding care to children in our community.
If you are an experienced Social Worker, reflective, proactive, resilient, and eager to make a difference while centering children’s voices, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council could be your next step.
What you need to have
* Experience mentoring less experienced staff, including NQSWs and students on placement
* Post-qualifying award (e.g., Practice Education) or willingness to undertake training
* Working knowledge of the DfE Knowledge and Skills statements for child and family practitioners
* Ability to handle complex referrals and casework with high-quality risk analysis and decision-making skills
* Strong presentation and conflict resolution skills
* Commitment to continuous professional development
* Ability to develop and maintain a professional network to support vulnerable children and young people
Requirements
* Ability to travel across the full Council area promptly
* Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work
We offer
* Full induction and supportive Practice Fundamentals
* Clear career progression and learning opportunities
* Manageable, diverse caseloads
* Regular supervision
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Competitive salary with local government pension scheme
* Flexible working arrangements and modern offices
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Relocation scheme
* Staff network groups
Contact
For informal discussions, contact Vanessa Johns, Service Manager, at vanessa.johns@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Additional Information
Check out our BCP Partnership Academy for more details.
About BCP Council
BCP Council serves over 400,000 residents with a diverse community and employment of more than 5,000 staff. We offer roles to transform services and improve the community, including access to beautiful coastline. Join us to help create a thriving, inclusive place for future generations.
Our Benefits
We provide an excellent benefits package. For details, see here.
Note on Terms and Conditions
We are working on a new unified pay structure following the creation of BCP Council in 2019. All new staff will be included in these changes, ensuring continuous service and no job reductions. Questions about this process can be directed to the hiring manager.
DBS
We are committed to safeguarding and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The role requires a Disclosure & Barring Service check. Refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for details.
* Social Worker JD and PS BCP.pdf
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