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- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives as a Social Worker in our Children in Care Teams.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a supportive and vibrant organisation with a GOOD Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 28 days leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Impact the futures of children and young people while working in beautiful Dorset.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding social work and strong decision-making skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent support and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 53460 £ per year.
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children in Care Team
Salary Band 10 - Starting Salary £42,839 & Band 11 - Starting Salary £47,181
Job Introduction
Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) - Children in Care 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 in Care Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to the children and young people who need us most.
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 Children in Care Teams, you'll work alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure every child receives the best possible care. You'll collaborate with carers, families, and agencies to create and maintain care plans that truly meet each child's needs. BCP Council is the corporate parent to around 500 children and young people, including care-experienced young adults aged 18-25. Your work will have a direct impact on their lives and futures.
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 (with Director approval)
- Staff network groups
Ready to Join Us?
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK. 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 Shan Searle, Service Manager for Children in Care. Apply today and help us make a difference.
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. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.
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.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive - Join BCP Council. At BCP Council, we're not just building a workforce- we're transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package.
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you.
More About us Working for BCP
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 in Care 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 in Care 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 your application process. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with BCP's recent achievements, especially their Ofsted rating. Show them you’re not just passionate about social work but also about being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience in safeguarding and case management clearly. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you along the way. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Social Worker - Level 2/3 - Children in Care 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 what drives you!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role at BCP Council. Highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and case management, and don’t forget to mention any mentoring you've done. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about the role and our amazing benefits there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding practices and the specific needs of children in care. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your frontline safeguarding experience in detail. Think of specific cases where you managed complex referrals or resolved conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to talk about how you’ve worked with colleagues, families, and external agencies. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to creating effective care plans and supported less experienced staff. This shows you’re a team player who values collective success.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or the council’s vision for children in care. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.