At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives by providing outstanding care and support.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a proud organisation with a GOOD Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and 28 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Impact the futures of children and young people while enjoying career progression.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding social work and strong decision-making skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent learning opportunities and supportive colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 53460 £ per year.
Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children in Care Team
Salary Band 10 - Starting Salary £42,839 & Band 11 - Starting Salary £47,181
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 in Care Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to the children and young people who need us most.
Why BCP? Our workforce says it best:
- “Career progression is encouraged within BCP – it’s a rewarding job and something I absolutely love.”
- “It’s a lovely place to live and work. Dorset is a wonderful county, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are vibrant, busy urban areas right on the sea front.”
- “I’ve never felt so supported.”
About the Role
As part of one of our four Children in Care Teams, you’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure every child receives the best possible care. You’ll collaborate with carers, families, and agencies to create and maintain care plans that truly meet each child’s needs. BCP Council is the corporate parent to around 500 children and young people, including care-experienced young adults aged 18–25. Your work will have a direct impact on their lives and futures.
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 (with Director approval)
- Staff network groups
Ready to Join Us?
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK. 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 Shan Searle, Service Manager for Children in Care at shan.searle@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Apply today and help us make a difference.
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.
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.
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.
Children\'s Social Worker - Level 2/3 Children in Care Team in Christchurch employer: Community Care Live
Contact Detail:
Community Care Live Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Social Worker - Level 2/3 Children in Care Team in Christchurch
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and the specific needs of children in care. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! If you’ve helped less experienced staff or students, be ready to share those stories. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources there.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Social Worker - Level 2/3 Children in Care Team in Christchurch
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 what drives you!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and case management, and don’t forget to mention any mentoring you've done. This will show us you’re the right fit for our Children in Care Teams.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and skills 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 info about the role and our amazing benefits there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and the specific needs of children in care. Familiarise yourself with BCP Council's recent achievements and their approach to social work, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your frontline safeguarding experience in detail. Think of specific cases where you've managed complex referrals or mentored less experienced staff. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
BCP Council is looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also passionate about making a difference in children's lives. Be ready to share why you chose social work and how you put children's voices at the heart of your practice.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the support available for continuous professional development, or how BCP Council measures success in their Children in Care Teams. It shows you're engaged and serious about the role.
