At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with disabilities through key stages of their development.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a caring agency owned by Dorset Council.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a warm, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to meaningful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's services preferred.
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities within Dorset Council. Our service is built on our values of being ethical, trustworthy and caring, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
We are seeking a skilled and committed Locum Social Worker to join our Birth to Settled Adulthood service to provide maternity cover from April. This is an exciting opportunity to work with children and young people aged 0-25 with a wide range of disabilities, supporting them and their families through key stages of their development.
About the RoleYou will manage a diverse caseload and work across the full range of social work disciplines, including:
- Early Help
- Child in Need
- Child Protection
- Children in Care
The role also includes close collaboration with our Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) colleagues. Together, you will support young people and their families to plan for adulthood, explore opportunities, and work towards achieving their goals and best possible outcomes.
About the TeamYou will be part of a warm, experienced, and multi‑disciplinary team, including:
- Social Workers
- Paediatric Occupational Therapists
- Best Start in Life Advisers
- Family Workers
Teamwork, professional support, and strong multi‑agency working are at the heart of what we do.
Requirements- Qualified Social Worker and registered with Social Work England
- Experience in children's services
- Experience in disability services preferred but not essential
- Strong partnership working skills across agencies and disciplines
- Ability to work autonomously and handle a varied caseload
- Own transport essential due to the rural nature of Dorset
Office base: Westport House, Wareham, with work across the East and Purbeck locality.
Why Join Us?- Supportive and collaborative multi‑disciplinary environment
- Opportunity to build and develop specialist skills
- Flexible working options (where appropriate)
- Meaningful work supporting children, young people, and families through key milestones
Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Birth to Settled Adulthood Social East in Wareham employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative multi-disciplinary environment where social workers can thrive. With flexible working options and the opportunity to develop specialist skills, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in the beautiful East and Purbeck area of Dorset. Join us to be part of a caring team dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for families during key milestones in their development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Birth to Settled Adulthood Social East in Wareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with children and young people. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Connect2Dorset and understanding their values. Show them how your skills align with their mission of supporting children and families – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around managing diverse caseloads and working collaboratively. We all know that confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Birth to Settled Adulthood Social East in Wareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in children's services and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about the work they do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as it reflects the skills needed 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 position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Locum Social Worker in the Birth to Settled Adulthood service. Brush up on your knowledge of Early Help, Child Protection, and how to support young people with disabilities. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in children's services, especially any work with disabilities. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed a diverse caseload or collaborated with other professionals. This will help demonstrate your capability and fit for the team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you’ve effectively collaborated with others in past roles, particularly in challenging situations. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in the role, or the support available for professional development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role and team are the right fit for you.
