At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in long-term care planning and achieve positive outcomes.
- Company: Dorset Council, known for its supportive and child-focused environment.
- Benefits: Earn £40.00 per hour with hybrid working and excellent management support.
- Other info: Long-term stable contract with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives while enjoying a collaborative team culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in permanence and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join a dedicated Permanence Team supporting children in long-term care planning.
Excellent management support and positive team culture.
Opportunity to work within a well-regarded local authority with a long-term stable contract available.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Social Worker to join the Permanence Team at Dorset Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for a committed practitioner who is passionate about achieving long-term stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.
The role will involve working with children subject to care proceedings, long-term care planning, and permanency arrangements including adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering. You will work closely with children, carers, families, and partner agencies to ensure timely and effective permanence planning.
About the Local Authority
Dorset Council is recognised for its supportive working environment, child-focused approach, and commitment to high-quality social work practice. The service promotes reflective supervision, manageable team structures, and flexible hybrid working to support staff wellbeing and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a caseload of children requiring permanence planning and long-term care arrangements.
- Undertaking assessments relating to adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering.
- Progressing care planning and permanence outcomes within statutory timescales.
- Preparing high-quality court reports, assessments, and care plans.
- Working directly with children and families to achieve positive long-term outcomes.
- Attending legal meetings, looked after children reviews, and multi-agency planning meetings.
- Building strong working relationships with carers, partner agencies, and internal services.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case recordings in line with statutory requirements.
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification.
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Previous experience within Permanence, Looked After Children, or Children in Care services.
- Strong knowledge of care planning, safeguarding, and court processes.
- Experience completing assessments and preparing court reports.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a busy frontline environment.
- Enhanced DBS preferred.
Why Work With Us?
- Competitive pay rate of £40.00 per hour.
- Hybrid working with 3 office days per week.
- Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment.
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment.
- Access to additional local authority opportunities.
- Referral bonus scheme available.
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s lives through permanence planning.
For more information or to apply, please contact: Josh Dhumisani.
Social Worker in Dorchester employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Dorset Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and child-focused work environment for Social Workers in the Permanence Team. With competitive pay, hybrid working arrangements, and a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from excellent management support and a positive team culture that fosters collaboration and growth. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while enjoying the stability of a long-term contract.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to child welfare and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and committed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your past experiences and how they relate to the role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate social workers like you to join our team and make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Social Worker role. Highlight your experience in permanence planning and working with children in care, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles to really stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see your qualifications and experiences.
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 this fantastic opportunity with Dorset Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of permanence planning, adoption processes, and safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in care and be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience with looked after children and care planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your passion for working with children and families, and be open about your collaborative approach. This will help convey that you’re a great fit for their supportive team culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Permanence Team and Dorset Council’s approach to social work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
