At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through their journey, from early help to court proceedings.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council.
- Benefits: Flexible working, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years' experience in children's services and a degree in Social Work.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking authority committed to innovative family support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
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. We are proud that Dorset Council is rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our services for children, young people, and families. This reflects our commitment to high-quality, child-centred work, strong leadership, and a culture where practitioners feel supported to do their best work.
Leading Meaningful National Change
Dorset is at the forefront of innovation. As a national Pathfinder for the Families First for Children (FFC) Programme, we are helping shape the future of family support and child protection in England. This reform focuses on delivering earlier, more joined-up help for families. In Dorset, we are implementing a blended model aligned with The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme Guide, bringing together services so that families receive:
- the right help
- at the right time
- from practitioners who really know them
Family Help Teams Where You Can Make an Impact
We are integrating our Family Help and Child Protection teams to create a seamless service where families only need to tell their story once. As a Social Worker in our Family Help Teams, you will:
- build strong, long-lasting relationships
- support children and families through their journey, from Early Help to court proceedings
- work alongside skilled colleagues committed to trauma-informed and restorative practice
We welcome social workers at all experience levels who are passionate about strengthening families and improving outcomes. As part of national reforms, we are shaping our Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and introducing Lead Child Protection Practitioners, giving you specialist colleagues to work closely with in supporting children at risk of significant harm.
About the Role
You will be joining a supportive, well-structured, and growing team, with flexible working and regular reflective supervision. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a fast-paced but nurturing environment within a forward-thinking authority.
What You Will Do Day-to-Day
As a Social Worker, you will support children across the full continuum of need, including:
- targeted early help
- Child in Need plans
- Child Protection plans
- pre-proceedings and court proceedings
Your responsibilities include:
- delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation
- completing high-quality assessments and timely care plans
- safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children through direct, meaningful work
- building resilience with families through restorative and strengths-based approaches
- preparing clear, well-evidenced reports for court and multi-agency professionals
- chairing meetings that bring professionals together around a unified plan
- maintaining accurate case records
- undertaking specialist assessments with full training provided
- working closely with early years, education, police, health, and community partners to create coordinated, child-centred support
Skills & Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience within English Local Authorities
- Enhanced DBS/CRB (we can arrange this)
- SWE Registration
- Degree in Social Work (or equivalent)
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Ability to travel across Dorset as needed
About You
You are a committed, thoughtful practitioner with strong knowledge of statutory children's services. You bring confidence in managing complex court work and are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families. If you believe in relationship-based practice, early intervention, and working within a supportive and forward-thinking service, we would love to hear from you.
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.
Family Help Social Worker in Weymouth employer: Connect2Dorset
Contact Detail:
Connect2Dorset Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Help Social Worker in Weymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers in Dorset, especially those at Connect2Dorset. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even refer you for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation. Show us you’re not just passionate but also well-informed about the legal framework that guides our work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your relationship-building skills! Think of examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully supported families or children. We want to see how you connect with people and make a real difference.
✨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 are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Help Social Worker in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with children and families, and show us how you align with our commitment to high-quality, child-centred work.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can make a real difference in the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that relate to the responsibilities of a Family Help Social Worker.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and passion for the role quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our supportive team.
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 social work, especially the Children Act 1989. Brush up on your knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and build strong relationships with families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to early intervention or how they support social workers in their professional development.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in social work. Be honest about your motivations for applying and your passion for improving outcomes for children and families. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.