At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families through targeted help and child protection plans.
- Company: Join Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency with a caring culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work within a well-structured team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and strengthen community support.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and 3 years post-qualification experience required.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Work 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
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.
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Family Help Social Worker in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an outstanding employer dedicated to providing high-quality, child-centred social work services within a supportive and collaborative environment. With flexible working hours, regular supervision, and a strong commitment to employee growth, we empower our social workers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families across Dorset. Join us in being at the forefront of national reforms in family support and child protection, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Help Social Worker in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Connect2Dorset and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Family Help Social Worker. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Connect2Dorset and contributing to their mission of supporting families.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Help Social Worker in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to this field!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of Connect2Dorset. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Family Help teams' mission. We love seeing candidates who understand our commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation. Brush up on your knowledge of statutory social care services, especially around child protection and family support. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your post-qualification experience in detail. Think about specific cases where you’ve delivered complex court proceedings or worked with families in need. Use examples that highlight your ability to build relationships and promote resilience in families, as this aligns with the values of Connect2Dorset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Family Help Teams and how they integrate with other services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the team culture is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think through potential situations you might encounter in the role and how you would handle them, focusing on child-centred practice and collaboration with multi-agency teams.
