At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives through assessment and support.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking organisation with a GOOD Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 28 days leave, and career progression.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant coastal area with excellent community support.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that transforms lives and supports families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding social work and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44075 - 53460 £ per year.
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 Assessment Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to the children and families who need us most.
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. Work from this team will either close, step down, or transfer to another team at an agreed time. Social workers sit in four pods with a four-weekly turnaround (the 20-day time limit on assessments).
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
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.
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
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. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team in Christchurch employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a clear pay structure and opportunities for professional growth, you can truly make a difference in the lives of children and young people while enjoying benefits like flexible working and wellbeing support. Join us in shaping innovative services and be part of a team that values collaboration and continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team in Christchurch
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BCP Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BCP Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BCP Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BCP Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BCP Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BCP Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
