At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through social work, safeguarding, and court processes.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a £500 referral bonus.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on positive outcomes for families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 3+ years' experience in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 42 - 42 £ per hour.
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, offering temporary, contract and interim opportunities within the Council.
Our work is guided by strong values ethical practice, trust, and genuine care and every penny of our profit goes back into supporting our Local Authority communities.
Locum Children's Social Worker Jobs in Dorset
Connect2Dorset is recruiting for an experienced Children's Social Worker to join Dorset Council's Child Protection and Family Help Team in the Weymouth region.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Qualified Social Worker (QSW) seeking a rewarding locum social work job in Dorset, working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes.
Whether you're an experienced Child Protection Social Worker, Family Help Social Worker, Safeguarding Social Worker, or Assessment Social Worker, this role offers competitive rates, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to work within a supportive local authority setting.
Children's Social Worker Child Protection Team
As part of ongoing national children's social care reforms, Dorset Council is strengthening its Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and introducing Lead Child Protection Practitioners, creating additional support and development opportunities for frontline Children's Social Workers.
This role sits within a well-established Family Help and Child Protection Service, delivering effective safeguarding interventions and supporting children and families through statutory social work processes.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Locum Children's Social Worker, you will manage a varied statutory children's social work caseload including:
- Early Help
- Children in Need (CIN)
- Child Protection (CP)
- Family Help
- Pre-Proceedings (PLO)
- Care Proceedings and Court Work
- Safeguarding Assessments
- Care Planning and Intervention KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Deliver statutory social work services in line with the Children Act 1989
- Complete high-quality Child and Family Assessments
- Manage Children in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) cases
- 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 restorative and strengths-based practice
REQUIREMENTS
- To be considered for this Children's Social Worker role, you will need:
- Qualified Social Worker (QSW)
- Social Work England Registration
- Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification
- Minimum 3 years' post-qualified experience within a UK Local Authority Children's Services Team
- Experience within Child Protection, Safeguarding, Court Work and Children in Need services
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Full UK Driving Licence
WHY APPLY?
£38.00 - £42.00 per hour plus £150 per week allowable expenses *
(Allowable expenses are payable where the candidate's home address is more than 30 miles from the designated work location hub, subject to Connect2Dorset's Terms & Conditions).
Opportunity to work within a progressive Child Protection service £500 Referral Bonus (Terms & Conditions Apply)
APPLY NOW If you're looking for your next Locum Children's Social Worker Job in Dorset, we'd love to hear from you.
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
Children's Social Worker Family Help in Weymouth 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🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker Family Help in Weymouth
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Connect2Dorset, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Worker Family Help in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Connect2Dorset. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Connect2Dorset. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Connect2Dorset.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Children's Social Worker Family Help role at Connect2Dorset, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Connect2Dorset that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
