At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our MASH Team to support children and families with care and expertise.
- Company: Dynamic local authority in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Clear career progression and excellent learning opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Registered social worker with at least 2 years of safeguarding experience.
We’re looking for an experienced, passionate Social Worker to join our MASH Team and help us deliver outstanding care and support to children and families. You will need to be a registered social worker with Social Work England and have significant post‑qualifying experience working with children and families in the statutory sector.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing referrals, ensuring children’s voices remain central, and embedding a systemic approach within your teams.
- Team managers oversee every contact within the working day and authorise significant decisions for all children in need and at risk of harm.
What We’re Looking For:
- Minimum 2 years of front‑line social work safeguarding experience.
- Completed the ASYE Programme successfully.
- Willingness to undertake a post‑qualifying award (e.g., Practice Education).
- Ability to work with complex referrals and challenging casework.
- High quality skills in risk analysis and decision‑making.
- Desire to develop specialist knowledge within front‑line services.
- Working to the DfE Knowledge and Skills statements for child and family practitioners.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and confident presentation skills.
What We Offer:
- Full induction & practice fundamentals support.
- Clear career progression & excellent learning opportunities.
- Regular supervision.
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
- Flexible working arrangements – hybrid based at Poole Police Station, other multi‑agency sites, or at home.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Relocation Scheme.
- Staff network groups.
Contact & Application:
For more information, email Michelle Baron (Team Manager) at michelle.baron@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or Nanette McVeigh at nanette.mcveigh@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. The pay range is £44,075–£53,460 (pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues).
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children's First Response and MASH (Multi-Agency Safegu[...] in Bournemouth employer: Bournemouth Borough Council
Join our dedicated team of Children's Social Workers in the beautiful coastal area of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive work culture with clear career progression, regular supervision, and a commitment to continuous professional development, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary package that includes a local government pension and potential relocation support.
Contact Details:
Bournemouth Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children's First Response and MASH (Multi-Agency Safegu[...] in Bournemouth
✨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 Bournemouth Borough 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 Bournemouth Borough 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 Bournemouth Borough 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 Bournemouth Borough Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Bournemouth Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bournemouth Borough 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 Bournemouth Borough 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.
