At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful assessments for kinship care and SGO families, ensuring children receive loving homes.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a supportive team with a GOOD Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of a caring community.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with SWE registration and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP), Dorset
Salary: Competitive + Local Government Pension + Potential Relocation Scheme
Contract: Full-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 Team.
Why BCP Our Workforce Says It Best:
- “I’ve never felt so supported.”
- “BCP is like one big family… which is really rewarding.”
- “You can do lots of different direct work with children – last year I even went crabbing with a family on the beach. It was amazing!”
About The Role
Over the past few years, we have seen a remarkable 35% increase in the number of kinship carers coming forward to support children within their extended families. This growth reflects the dedication of our communities and the strong belief that children thrive best when they can remain connected to the people who know and love them. As our kinship offer continues to expand, we have a real opportunity to strengthen our assessment and recruitment pathways, ensuring carers receive the highest‑quality support from the outset. At the same time, our work with SGO families continues to grow, and with it the opportunity to enhance the support we offer to children who have achieved permanence in these homes. In addition, BCP’s Supported Lodgings scheme is now Ofsted Registered which opens exciting possibilities for developing the service further. We are looking for motivated, child‑focused staff who can undertake high‑quality assessments at pace and contribute to shaping a service that offers safe, stable and loving homes for our children in care. You will be part of a supportive team, led by experienced managers, and surrounded by dedicated and supported colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Undertake high‑quality SGO and Kinship Care assessments.
- Hold a caseload of 4–5 assessments at any one time and be highly organised with strong analytical assessment skills.
- Receive support from the team manager, SGO assessment colleagues, and the wider fostering service.
Qualifications
- Qualified social worker with SWE registration and hold a Diploma and/or degree in social work.
- Able to travel; will need business insurance and may require overnight stays.
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
Apply
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. Find out more about our new terms and conditions in our More than just a job brochure on our careers site. For an informal discussion, contact Deborah Bennett, Team Manager, at deborah.bennett3@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Please note: this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. We offer career‑defining roles to transform and improve services and support a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Children's Social Workers - Level 3 - Fostering - Kinship/SGO assessments in Bournemouth employer: BCP Council
At BCP Council, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and nurturing employer, where our social workers are valued as integral members of a close-knit team. With a competitive salary, excellent career progression opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance through flexible arrangements, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Join us in a rewarding environment that champions professional growth and community connection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Workers - Level 3 - Fostering - Kinship/SGO assessments in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BCP Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research BCP's recent achievements and their approach to kinship care. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child welfare during interviews. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to making a difference in children's lives. We want to see that fire in you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the BCP family.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Workers - Level 3 - Fostering - Kinship/SGO assessments in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives, so share your experiences and motivations clearly.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of undertaking high-quality SGO and Kinship Care assessments. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Be Organised and Clear:Keep your application neat and structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, strong organisational skills are key in this role, so show us you’ve got them right from the start!
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 team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of kinship and SGO assessments. Brush up on relevant legislation, best practices, and recent developments in child welfare. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference in children's lives.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in social work, especially those that relate to fostering and kinship care. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed caseloads and conducted assessments, highlighting your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
BCP Council values a supportive team environment, so be ready to talk about how you collaborate with colleagues. Share examples of how you’ve worked effectively within a team, supported others, and contributed to a positive workplace culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics at BCP Council. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to supporting kinship carers or how they ensure high-quality assessments.
