At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference in children's lives by providing outstanding care and support.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a proud organisation with a GOOD Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear career progression and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding journey that transforms the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in frontline safeguarding social work and strong decision-making skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44075 - 53460 € per year.
Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP), Dorset
Salary: Competitive + Local Government Pension + Potential Relocation Scheme
Contract: Full-time & Part-Time, Permanent
Make a real difference in Children's lives. Join us at BCP Council. We're proud to have achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating (Dec 2024), and we're on an exciting improvement journey. Now, we're looking for experienced, passionate Social Workers to join our Children in Care Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to the children and young people who need us most.
Why BCP? Our workforce says it best:
- "Career progression is encouraged within BCP - it's a rewarding job and something I absolutely love."
- "It's a lovely place to live and work. Dorset is a wonderful county, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are vibrant, busy urban areas right on the sea front."
- "I've never felt so supported."
About the Role
As part of one of our four Children in Care Teams, you'll work alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure every child receives the best possible care. You'll collaborate with carers, families, and agencies to create and maintain care plans that truly meet each child's needs. BCP Council is the corporate parent to around 500 children and young people, including care-experienced young adults aged 18-25. Your work will have a direct impact on their lives and futures.
What We're Looking For:
- Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work
- Ability to manage complex referrals and casework
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills
- Experience mentoring less experienced staff or students
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Willingness to undertake Practice Education training if not already qualified
- Ability to travel across the BCP area
What We Offer:
- Full induction & Practice Fundamentals support
- Clear career progression & excellent learning opportunities
- Manageable caseloads & regular supervision
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing after 2 years continuous service
- Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices across the area
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Relocation Scheme (subject to approval)
- Staff network groups
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK. If you're reflective, proactive, resilient, and passionate about putting children's voices at the heart of everything you do, we'd love to hear from you.
The pay range for this role will be £44,075- £53,460 (pro rata for part time colleagues). We're looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits:
- A Place to Thrive - Join BCP Council
- At BCP Council, we're not just building a workforce- we're transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
DBS BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children in Care in Bournemouth employer: Workcircle
BCP Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to career progression, manageable caseloads, and flexible working arrangements, our team members enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in the beautiful coastal areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from competitive salaries and a strong local government pension.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children in Care in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or professionals in the field through LinkedIn or local meetups. They can provide insider info about BCP Council and might even give you a heads-up on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to safeguarding and case management. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for children's welfare during interviews. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment and the impact you've made in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities at BCP Council right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) - Children in Care in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in children's lives. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our mission at BCP.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in frontline safeguarding and your ability to manage complex cases. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more information about the role and our fantastic benefits there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workcircle
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social work principles, especially those related to children in care. Familiarise yourself with BCP Council's recent achievements and their approach to safeguarding. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in frontline safeguarding and managing complex cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see how your skills align with their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, career progression opportunities, or the support available for new staff. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if BCP Council is the right fit for you.
✨Be Reflective and Resilient
During the interview, demonstrate your reflective practice and resilience. Share experiences where you've overcome challenges in your social work career. Highlighting your commitment to continuous professional development will resonate well with the values of BCP Council.
