Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) – Children and Families First Teams
Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP), Dorset
Salary: Competitive + Local Government Pension + Potential Relocation Scheme
Contract: Full-time & Part-Time, Permanent
Make a real difference in children’s lives. Join us at BCP Council. We’re proud to have achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating (Dec 2024), and we’re on an exciting improvement journey. Now, we’re 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.
About The Role
Safeguarding is everyone’s 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.
You’ll 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 We’re 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
You’ll also need to be able to travel across the BCP area.
What We Offer
- Full induction & Practice Fundamentals support
- Clear career progression & excellent learning opportunities
- Manageable caseloads & regular supervision
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Relocation Scheme
- Staff network groups
Salary Range: £44,075–£53,460 (pro rata for part‑time colleagues)
Benefits
BCP Council also offers enhanced benefits including employee assistance programmes, relocation support, and staff network groups. All new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band, aligning with our commitment to equity and fairness.
Commitment to Safeguarding
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
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