At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through social work, safeguarding, and court processes.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a progressive team with opportunities for growth and a referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least 3 years' experience in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 36 - 44 £ per hour.
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, offering temporary, contract and interim opportunities within the Council.
Our work is guided by strong values ethical practice, trust, and genuine care and every penny of our profit goes back into supporting our Local Authority communities.
Locum Children's Social Worker Jobs in Dorset
Connect2Dorset is recruiting for an experienced Children's Social Worker to join Dorset Council's Child Protection and Family Help Team in Blandford Forum.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Qualified Social Worker (QSW) seeking a rewarding locum social work job in Dorset, working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes.
Whether you're an experienced Child Protection Social Worker, Family Help Social Worker, Safeguarding Social Worker, or Assessment Social Worker, this role offers competitive rates, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to work within a supportive local authority setting.
Children's Social Worker Child Protection Team
As part of ongoing national children's social care reforms, Dorset Council is strengthening its Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and introducing Lead Child Protection Practitioners, creating additional support and development opportunities for frontline Children's Social Workers.
This role sits within a well-established Family Help and Child Protection Service, delivering effective safeguarding interventions and supporting children and families through statutory social work processes.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Locum Children's Social Worker, you will manage a varied statutory children's social work caseload including:
- Early Help
- Children in Need (CIN)
- Child Protection (CP)
- Family Help
- Pre-Proceedings (PLO)
- Care Proceedings and Court Work
- Safeguarding Assessments
- Care Planning and Intervention KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Deliver statutory social work services in line with the Children Act 1989
- Complete high-quality Child and Family Assessments
- Manage Children in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) cases
- Undertake safeguarding investigations and risk assessments
- Carry out direct work with children, young people and families
- Prepare court statements, reports and care plans
- Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings
- Maintain accurate case records and statutory documentation
- Work collaboratively with education, health, police and partner agencies
- Promote positive outcomes through restorative and strengths-based practice
REQUIREMENTS
- To be considered for this Children's Social Worker role, you will need:
- Qualified Social Worker (QSW)
- Social Work England Registration
- Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification
- Minimum 3 years' post-qualified experience within a UK Local Authority Children's Services Team
- Experience within Child Protection, Safeguarding, Court Work and Children in Need services
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Full UK Driving Licence
WHY APPLY?
£38.00 - £42.00 per hour £150 per week allowable expenses * (Allowable expenses are payable where the candidate's home address is more than 30 miles from the designated work location hub, subject to Connect2Dorset's Terms & Conditions).
Opportunity to work within a progressive Child Protection service £500 Referral Bonus (Terms & Conditions Apply)
APPLY NOW If you're looking for your next Locum Children's Social Worker Job in Dorset, we'd love to hear from you.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd.
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business.
It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
Children's Social Worker Family Help in Blandford Forum employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant at Lytchett Minster School, you will benefit from a collaborative environment focused on student success, with opportunities for professional growth and training. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in education, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker Family Help in Blandford Forum
✨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 Connect2Dorset.
✨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 Connect2Dorset!
✨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 Connect2Dorset, 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 Connect2Dorset 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 Worker Family Help in Blandford Forum
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 Connect2Dorset:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Dorset! 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 Connect2Dorset
✨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.
