At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through Child Protection and Care Proceedings.
- Company: Join Dorset Council's Ofsted Outstanding Family Help Team.
- Benefits: Earn £38.00 - £45.00 per hour plus £150 weekly expenses.
- Other info: Enjoy reflective supervision and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least 3 years' experience in Children's Services.
Children's Social Worker - Family Help Team
Role: Temporary
Location: Weymouth (Chesil)
Pay: £38.00 - £45.00 per hour + £150 per week allowable expenses + travel*
Dorset Council is seeking an experienced Children's Social Worker to join its Child Protection and Family Help Team in Weymouth. This is an excellent opportunity for a Qualified Social Worker (QSW) to join an Ofsted-rated Outstanding local authority that places relationships and meaningful outcomes for children at the heart of everything it does.
Working with children, young people and families across Child in Need, Child Protection and Care Proceedings, you will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking service committed to helping families make sustainable changes and achieve positive outcomes.
Why Dorset? Dorset Council continues to invest in frontline practice as part of the national children's social care reforms. The service has strengthened its Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). Ofsted recognised Dorset's strong and stable leadership, confident workforce and the positive difference being made for children and families. Practitioners report feeling valued, receiving reflective supervision, and working in an environment where leaders understand frontline practice.
You will also work within Dorset's Safeguarding Families Together model, where domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse and perpetrator specialists work alongside social workers to strengthen interventions and reduce risk. You will work closely with trusted colleagues across disciplines to provide the right support at the right time, responding to the different needs of children and families in a joined-up and practical way.
About the Role
As a Locum Children's Social Worker within the Family Help Team, you will work across the continuum of need, including:
- Child in Need
- Child Protection
- Pre-proceedings and Court Work
- Care Planning and Intervention
You will be part of an integrated locality team, working alongside multi-agency partners to ensure children are safeguarded while families receive the right support at the right time.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver statutory social work services in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Complete high-quality Child and Family Assessments
- Support children and families through Child in Need, Child Protection and Care Proceedings
- 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 strengths-based and restorative practice
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you will have:
- Qualified Social Worker
- Social Work England registration
- Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification
- Minimum 3 years' post-qualified permanent experience within an English Local Authority Children's Services Team
- Experience of Child Protection, Safeguarding, and Court Work
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Full UK driving licence
Benefits
- £38.00 - £45.00 per hour
- £150 per week allowable expenses*
- Opportunity to work within an Ofsted Outstanding service
- Supportive management and reflective supervision
- £500 referral bonus (Terms & Conditions apply)
*Allowable expenses are payable where your home address is more than 30 miles from the designated work location hub, subject to Connect2Dorset Terms & Conditions.
About Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is the managed service recruitment partner owned by Dorset Council, specialising in temporary, contract and interim opportunities across the authority. Our work is guided by strong values, ethical practice, trust and genuine care, and every penny of our profit is reinvested back into supporting local authority communities.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
If you're looking for your next locum social work opportunity within an Outstanding local authority, we'd love to hear from you. Employment is subject to satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance and suitable references.
Social Worker - Level 3 (Hs405c) - Family Help - CP Chesil employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an exceptional employer that prioritises ethical practices and community impact, making it a rewarding place to work. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects within the local authority. The opportunity to lead significant transformation initiatives in the picturesque setting of Dorchester adds unique value to this role, fostering both professional and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Level 3 (Hs405c) - Family Help - CP Chesil
✨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 Social Worker - Level 3 (Hs405c) - Family Help - CP Chesil
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.
