At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear career progression and excellent learning opportunities.
- 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 analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 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 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 six 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. 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 Vanessa Johns, Service Manager for Children and Families First and PLO & Court at vanessa.johns@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Visit our BCP Partnership Academy website for more details. Apply today and help us make a difference.
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. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward‑thinking team. The Recruitment & Retention Supplement for this role may be up to £3,249 per annum (pro rata for part‑time colleagues). Recruitment and Retention Supplements are in addition to the base salary. They are temporary and awarded solely at the discretion of BCP Council, in accordance with our Interim Salary Supplement policy, which will be replaced by the new Pay and Allowances policy being introduced on 1 December 2025.
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 at Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page. Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you.
Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children and Families First Teams employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-like work culture that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering outstanding care and support, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a beautiful coastal area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children and Families First Teams
✨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 the inside scoop!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to safeguarding and child protection. Use real-life scenarios from your experience to showcase your skills. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous roles. This will help us see your commitment to the cause.
✨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
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 align with our values.
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 team.
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 more information about the role and our amazing benefits while you’re 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 Social Worker in the Children and Families First Teams. Brush up on safeguarding practices, risk assessments, and the restorative practice framework. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about making a difference.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable families. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for professional development, or how they measure success in their interventions. This shows that you’re engaged and interested in being part of their mission.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
Expect to be asked about how you handle complex cases and difficult situations. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your analytical and decision-making skills, which are crucial for this role.
