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- Tasks: Support families and children in need, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join a pioneering team in Dorset focused on innovative child protection.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and at least 3 years' experience in Children's Services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creative thinking and collaboration.
Join us as a Child Protection Social Worker and be part of our new way of working with families within the child protection space in the Weymouth region. Here in Dorset, we have been recognised for our fantastic work with children, young people, and families, by being selected as one of only three initial Families First for Children's Pathfinder sites nationally. This opportunity comes with central government grant funding and support which recognises the scale and ambition of the work we need to carry out.
As a Child Protection Social Worker, you will chair an updated child protection conference, centred around greater collaboration and cohesion between all participants while keeping the family at the heart of the process. You will have access to our multi-agency Safeguarding Together teams and our 'in house' multi-disciplinary team after a successful pilot, which are replicated in each locality.
We have a strong emphasis on professional development with a variety of training on offer, including motivational interviewing, restorative practice, and strength-based approaches. Supervision is incredibly important to us with individual and group sessions regularly scheduled. Your wellbeing is a priority - you will find access to talking therapies, a network of Mental Health Champions, and workshops facilitated by our dedicated Employee Wellbeing Team.
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will be working in a multi-agency child protection team with families who are subject to complex Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings, and court proceedings to:
- Deliver the service in accordance with statutory responsibilities set out in the Children Act 1989 and other relevant legislation.
- Undertake assessments of children's needs in accordance with Directorate policies and procedures.
- Create effective plans which are reviewed in a timely manner.
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children.
- Provide support, information, and advice to families to help parents become more self-reliant.
- Prepare reports for courts and various meetings, presenting to a variety of professionals in different settings, and attend to give evidence in legal proceedings as required.
- Chair multi-agency meetings that support the development and review of plans.
- Maintain essential records, input, and maintain records on the core computer system as required.
- Work alongside the Lead Family Help Practitioner, providing child protection expertise and leading on statutory work.
- Undertake direct work with children and families to progress the plan.
- Undertake specialist assessments once training has been provided.
About you: You will have a Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post. You will need to have completed your ASYE and have a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in Children's Services. 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.
This role is full time at 37 hours but flexible working will be considered. This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
Social Worker Child Protection - Level 3 in Weymouth employer: Connect2Dorset
Contact Detail:
Connect2Dorset Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Child Protection - Level 3 in Weymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers in the Dorset area. They can give you insider info about the role and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and recent developments in child protection. Show us you’re not just passionate but also well-informed!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to chair multi-agency meetings, so being able to communicate clearly and confidently is key. Maybe do a mock session with a friend.
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Child Protection - Level 3 in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Child Protection Social Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work in children's services. We want to see how you've handled complex situations and contributed to child protection plans in the past.
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 get a good sense of who you are and what you can bring to the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation relevant to child protection, especially the Children Act 1989. Being able to discuss how this impacts your practice will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about safeguarding children.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed complex cases or worked collaboratively with multi-agency teams. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and how you can contribute to their innovative approach.
✨Emphasise Professional Development
Highlight any training or workshops you've attended, especially in motivational interviewing or restorative practices. This shows that you’re committed to continuous learning and aligns with their emphasis on professional development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their new way of working with families and how they measure success in child protection. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding their unique challenges.
