Overview and Responsibilities
As a Family Help Social Worker, you will work across the continuum of need, including:
* Targeted early help
* Child in Need
* Child Protection
* Pre-proceedings and court work where required
You will be part of an integrated locality team, working alongside Multi‑Agency Child Protection Teams and Lead Child Protection Practitioners to safeguard children while supporting families to create sustainable change. Our Safeguarding Families Together teams are embedded in every locality. Domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse and perpetrator specialists work alongside social workers to strengthen plans and reduce risk.
Key responsibilities:
* Deliver assessments that lead to clear and measurable change
* Ensure children's lived experience shapes analysis and planning
* Build purposeful relationships with families
* Work restoratively and provide constructive challenge when required
* Prepare high‑quality reports for court
* Contribute to multi‑agency decision making that progresses plans
* Engage in reflective supervision and continuous development
Localities
We operate across four localities. Please indicate your preferred locality in your application.
* Chesil – Weymouth and Portland
* East Dorset and Purbeck
* Dorchester and West Dorset
* North Dorset
Qualifications and Experience
You must:
* Have a degree in social work, occupational therapy or equivalent
* Have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
All social workers who qualified after September 2012 need to:
* Complete the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE)
* Meet the expected standards during the ASYE period
* Or prove that they meet the professional capabilities framework standards
Additional requirements:
* Hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England
* Demonstrate confident statutory practice, clear risk analysis, experience of child protection planning and court work, and the ability to balance support with professional challenge if experienced
* Exhibit thoughtful, accountable, and committed behaviour towards improving outcomes for children
* A driving licence and access to a vehicle are required due to travel demands
* Flexible working may be considered
* Limited sponsorship opportunities are available, subject to eligibility and UK local authority experience
Training and Progression
We invest in your progression with a clear pathway from Level 1 through to Experienced Social Worker, Advanced Practitioner and Team Manager. Training includes restorative practice, motivational interviewing and specialist assessment development.
Benefits and Relocation
An attractive relocation package is payable, including:
* Initial advance up to £2,500 payable at start
* Help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to £6,500)
* Option to receive help towards rent or mortgage in the first two years
Compliance and Checks
This role involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders, safeguarding children and young people, and the children's social worker framework.
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