At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children through targeted help and child protection plans.
- Company: Join Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency with a commitment to high-quality child-centred practice.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, training opportunities, and supportive team culture.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for progression and a £500 referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work, 3 years post-qualification experience, and SWE registration.
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
- 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
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.
Please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated recruitment team if you have any questions or feel you have the requirements to fulfil this post. We offer a £500 referral bonus to anyone who is successfully placed in a new role.
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.
Social Worker Child Protection Family Help in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an outstanding employer dedicated to providing high-quality, child-centred social work services within a supportive and flexible team environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training opportunities and a culture that values ethical and caring practices, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Dorset. Join us in a role that not only offers competitive pay but also the satisfaction of being part of a pioneering initiative in family support and child protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Child Protection Family Help in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already working with Dorset Council. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection legislation and the Families First Partnership Programme. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference and that you understand the values we stand for.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email or call to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on local community events and initiatives related to child welfare. Being involved not only enhances your CV but also gives you great talking points during interviews. Plus, it shows us you’re committed to the community!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Child Protection Family Help 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 tailor your application to the specific role at Connect2Dorset. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with our values and mission.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward 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 apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so go ahead and get that application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key legislation and frameworks relevant to child protection and family support. Brush up on the Children Act 1989 and any recent changes in policy. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in assessments, multi-agency collaboration, and court proceedings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to see your impact.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with various professionals, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and work effectively within a team setting.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Family Help Teams and the Families First Partnership Programme. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of supporting families effectively.
