Job Introduction
Social Workers (Level 2 and 3) : Children and Families First 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 Children and Families First 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:
Ive never felt so supported
BCP is like one big family which is really rewarding
You can do lots of different direct work with children : last year I even went crabbing with a family on the beach. It was amazing
Check out this video: A day in the life of three social workers at BCP Council on Vimeo
About the Role
Safeguarding is everyones business. While initial risk assessments take place in the Assessment Service, our Children and Families First teams provide longer:term intervention for families where level 4 support is needed to reduce risk and achieve positive change.
Youll work with families where children have been assessed as being in need or at risk of harm. This includes supporting children subject to child in need and child protection plans, and in some cases, children at the early stages of being looked after.
Our teams use a restorative practice framework and a range of interventions to address and reduce risk. Key areas of focus include co:production, safety planning, strong relationships with children, early permanence planning, and legal interventions where children are not considered safe in their family.
There are 6 Children and Families First teams, each consisting of a Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager, 7 Social Workers, and a Family Support Practitioner. All statutory teams are co:located at the Civic Centre, Bournemouth, but work flexibly across the BCP area.
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.
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 with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribu