At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children through targeted help and child protection plans.
- Company: Join Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency with a strong commitment to child welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for role progression and a £500 referral bonus for successful placements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work, SWE Registered, and 3 years post-qualification experience.
About Us
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
We are proud that Dorset Council is a rated Outstanding authority by Ofsted for our work with children, young people and families. This reflects our strong commitment to high‑quality, child‑centred practice and the positive culture we've built across our services.
Leading national change
The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme sets out a major national reform of family support and child protection in England, aiming to shift the support towards earlier, more joined up help for families.
Dorset was selected as a national Pathfinder local authority for the Families First for Children programme, placing us at the forefront of developing new ways of working with children, families, and communities. Now aligned with the national guidance: The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme Guide, we are bringing together a blended model to support our families to receive the right support and intervention, at the right time.
Family Help Teams
We are bringing together Family Help and Child Protection teams to support families in telling their story, only once, focussing on building and sustaining relationships with practitioners supporting them. As a Social Worker within the Family Help teams, there are various ways in which you can support our children and families. As one integrated team, we support families from Targeted Early Help right through to care proceedings and adoption, promoting continuity and consistent relationships. We are looking for social workers with all levels of experience to join us in making a difference in our communities.
As part of the reforms, we are developing our multi‑agency child protection teams. We are introducing Lead Child Protection Practitioners within the Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) as per the national guidance and you will work closely with these practitioners and the MACPT to support the needs of our children.
About the Role
You will be joining a well‑structured and organised team that are looking to grow their staffing levels. The role offers flexible working hours and has a supportive team culture with regular supervision on cases. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast‑paced and supportive team within Dorset Council.
Day to day activities
As a social worker, you'll work with families across the continuum of need and support children who require targeted early help, subject to Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre‑proceedings and court proceedings.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation.
- Undertaking assessments of children's needs and developing effective, timely plans.
- Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children through direct work and support.
- Working in partnership with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention.
- Preparing high‑quality reports for court and other professional settings.
- Chairing multi‑agency meetings to review and progress plans.
- Keeping accurate and up‑to‑date records using our case management system.
- Undertaking specialist assessments once training has been completed.
- Working closely with early years, schools, health, police and community organisations to deliver effective, community‑based support, strengthening partnerships and contributing to robust, child‑centred plans.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- 3 years (permanent) post qualification experience within English LA's.
- Enhanced DBS/CRB (we can obtain for you).
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
- SWE Registered.
- Degree in Social Work (or equivalent).
- Fulfil travel requirements of the role.
About You
You will be able to demonstrate a high level of post‑qualification knowledge of statutory social care services, with experience of delivering complex court proceedings in a variety of court settings. If you feel you meet the requirements we would love to hear from you.
We have ample on‑site parking with the opportunity for role progression and training for both perm and temporary staff within the authority. Competitive pay rate offered.
We offer a £500 referral bonus to anyone who is successfully placed in a new role.
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Social Worker Child Protection 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🤫
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✨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.
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.
