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- Tasks: Lead child protection work with families, ensuring their needs are met and safeguarding children.
- Company: Dorset Council is an Outstanding-rated authority committed to high-quality child-centred practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, wellbeing support, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social work while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification, registration with Social Work England, and 2 years' experience.
- Other info: Location preferences can be noted in your application; join us in a supportive, innovative setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re proud to say Dorset Council has recently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our work with children, young people and families. This reflects our commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice and the positive culture we’ve built across our services.
Lead national change
Dorset is one of just three Pathfinder sites selected nationally for the Families First for Children programme. This means we’re leading a new approach to child protection that will shape the future of social work in England. It also brings dedicated funding, government support, and the chance to influence national policy and practice.
A new way of working
Our approach keeps families at the centre. We’re redesigning child protection conferences to encourage genuine collaboration and reduce jargon. Our Quality Assurance Reviewing Officers (QAROs) work directly with families, helping explain processes, build understanding, and maintain regular contact.
You’ll have the support of our Safeguarding Together teams – multidisciplinary professionals working together across each locality. These teams were developed in-house following a successful pilot and are now fully embedded into everyday practice.
A culture of development
We take professional development seriously. You’ll access training in motivational interviewing, restorative practice and strength-based approaches. You’ll also have protected time for both individual and group supervision. Our regular Partnership Workforce Events are a chance to step back, challenge current thinking and shape new ideas.
We know social work can be demanding. That’s why we invest in your wellbeing with talking therapies, support from our Mental Health Champions, and practical workshops led by our Employee Wellbeing Team.
Locality-based working
Our service is split into four localities: East Dorset & Purbeck, West Dorset & Dorchester, Chesil (Weymouth & Portland), and North Dorset. While each area has its own unique geography, you’ll be part of a wider integrated team including early help, SEND, education and inclusion colleagues. If you have a location preference, you’re welcome to note this on your application.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you’ll work with families who are subject to complex Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings and court proceedings. Your responsibilities will include:
- delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation
- undertaking assessments of children’s needs and developing effective, timely plans
- promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children through direct work and support
- working in partnership with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention
- preparing high-quality reports for court and other professional settings
- chairing multi-agency meetings to review and progress plans
- keeping accurate and up-to-date records using our case management system
- working closely with the Lead Family Help Practitioner to provide expert child protection input
- undertaking specialist assessments once training has been completed
Join us in Dorset and be part of something genuinely different. This is your chance to work in an outstanding authority, shape the future of social work, and make a real difference to the lives of children and families.
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 2 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. We would love to hear from you.
Due to the current need, applications can only be accepted from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Social Worker - Child Protection employer: Dorset Council UK
Contact Detail:
Dorset Council UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Child Protection
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Families First for Children programme and its objectives. Understanding this initiative will not only help you align your experience with their goals but also demonstrate your commitment to innovative child protection practices during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Dorset Council, especially those in child protection roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-agency collaboration. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully worked with various professionals to achieve positive outcomes for children and families, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of statutory social care services and relevant legislation. Being well-versed in the Children Act 1989 and other related laws will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can navigate complex legal frameworks effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Child Protection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker - Child Protection position. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of child protection work and the specific practices mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in children's services, particularly focusing on your post-qualification experience and any specific skills related to statutory social care services and court proceedings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for child protection and your understanding of the innovative approaches being taken by Dorset Council. Mention how your values align with their commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England in your application. Emphasise your ASYE completion and any additional training or certifications that relate to the role, such as motivational interviewing or restorative practice.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Council UK
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the specific responsibilities of a Lead Child Protection Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation, as well as the unique approach Dorset Council takes towards child protection.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your post-qualification experience in Children's Services, particularly any complex court proceedings you've been involved in. Be ready to provide examples of how you've worked with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves chairing multi-agency meetings and working closely with various professionals, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in multidisciplinary teams and engaged with families in a supportive manner.
✨Emphasise Professional Development
Dorset Council values professional development, so be prepared to discuss your commitment to continuous learning. Mention any relevant training you've undertaken, such as motivational interviewing or restorative practice, and express your enthusiasm for further training opportunities.
