Children\'s Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team

Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) – Assessment 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.

Why BCP?

Our Workforce Says It Best: \”Career progression is encouraged within BCP – it’s a rewarding job and something I absolutely love.\” \”It’s a lovely place to live and work. Dorset is a wonderful county, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are vibrant, busy urban areas right on the sea front.\” \”I’ve never felt so supported.\”

About The Role

As part of one of our four Assessment Teams, you’ll play a vital role in gaining a clear understanding of a child’s circumstances and developing plans that make a positive difference. Good assessment work is the foundation of a strong children’s service, and your expertise will help us deliver exactly that. You’ll undertake initial single assessments within statutory timescales and continuous assessments from referral through to case closure. You’ll also facilitate family network meetings to bring support networks together. Social workers sit in four pods with a four-weekly turnaround (the 20-day time limit on assessments). Social workers will either close, step down, or transfer to another team at an agreed time.

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

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re reflective, proactive, resilient, and passionate about putting children’s voices at the heart of everything you do, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, contact Nigel Burton, Service Manager for Assessment at nigel.burton@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Apply today and help us make a difference.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

The pay range for this role will £42,839–£53,460 (pro rata for part-time colleagues).

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

DBS

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.