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- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives through supportive social work.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a family-oriented organisation with a GOOD Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and 28 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making positive changes for children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding social work and strong decision-making skills required.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 53460 £ per year.
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children and Families First Team
Salary Band 10 - Starting Salary £42,839 & Band 11 - Starting Salary £47,181
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
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. 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 be £42,839-£53,460 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). We're 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.
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.
Children\'s Social Worker Level 2/3 - Children And Families First Team in Bournemouth employer: BCP Council
Contact Detail:
BCP Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Social Worker Level 2/3 - Children And Families First Team in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers at BCP Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for situational questions! Think about your past experiences in safeguarding and how you've handled complex cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your skills effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to the values that BCP Council stands for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and show that you're genuinely interested in joining the team at BCP Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Social Worker Level 2/3 - Children And Families First Team in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in children's lives. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in frontline safeguarding and any mentoring you've done. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're a great fit for our Children and Families First Teams.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our fantastic benefits there.
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding practices, risk assessments, and the restorative practice framework mentioned in the job description. This will show that you understand the role and are ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and mentor others. Think about situations where you’ve made a real difference in children’s lives or successfully navigated challenging family dynamics. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can bring valuable experience to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the support available for professional development, or how they implement their co-production approach. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
BCP Council values authenticity and passion. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share why you’re passionate about social work and how you connect with children and families. This will help the interviewers see you as a great cultural fit for their team.