At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives through supportive social work.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a supportive and family-like organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities and a commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values children's voices and promotes positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding social work and strong decision-making skills required.
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
- Ability 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 Vanessa Johns, Service Manager for Children and Families First and PLO & Court.
Apply today and help us make a difference. The pay range for this role will be £44,075-£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.
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.
Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children and Families First Teams in Bournemouth employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children and families. With a supportive work culture that feels like one big family, employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, manageable caseloads, and clear career progression opportunities. Located in the beautiful BCP area, staff benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a commitment to continuous professional development, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children and Families First Teams 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 practising common social work scenarios. Think about how you'd handle complex cases or difficult conversations. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so be ready to share real-life examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, talk about why you love working with children and families. Share stories that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and supporting those in need—this is what we’re all about at BCP.
✨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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing benefits there.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children and Families First Teams in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're 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 to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details about the role and our benefits there, which can help you craft a standout application.
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of social work, especially safeguarding and risk assessment. Brush up on the restorative practice framework and be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives, whether through direct work or mentoring others in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Think about past experiences where you had to manage complex cases and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about the support available for continuous professional development or how the team collaborates on challenging cases.
