Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children and Families First Team

Job IntroductionSocial Workers (Level 2 & 3) – Children and Families First TeamsLocation: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP), DorsetSalary: Competitive + Local Government Pension + Potential Relocation SchemeContract: Full-time & Part-Time, PermanentMake 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 and Families First Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to the children and families who need us most.Why BCP?Our workforce says it best:“I’ve never felt so supported”“BCP is like one big family… which is really rewarding”“You can do lots of different direct work with children – last year I even went crabbing with a family on the beach. It was amazing!”Check out this video: A day in the life of three social workers at BCP Council on VimeoAbout the RoleSafeguarding is everyone’s business. While initial risk assessments take place in the Assessment Service, our Children and Families First teams provide longer-term intervention for families where level 4 support is needed to reduce risk and achieve positive change.You’ll work with families where children have been assessed as being in need or at risk of harm. This includes supporting children subject to child in need and child protection plans, and in some cases, children at the early stages of being looked after.Our teams use a restorative practice framework and a range of interventions to address and reduce risk. Key areas of focus include co-production, safety planning, strong relationships with children, early permanence planning, and legal interventions where children are not considered safe in their family.There are 6 Children and Families First teams, each consisting of a Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager, 7 Social Workers, and a Family Support Practitioner. All statutory teams are co-located at the Civic Centre, Bournemouth, but work flexibly across the BCP area.What We’re Looking ForSignificant experience in frontline safeguarding social workAbility to manage complex referrals and caseworkStrong analytical, decision-making, and conflict resolution skillsExperience mentoring less experienced staff or studentsCommitment to continuous professional developmentWillingness to undertake Practice Education training if not already qualifiedYou’ll also need to be able to travel across the BCP area.What We OfferFull induction & Practice Fundamentals supportClear career progression & excellent learning opportunitiesManageable caseloads & regular supervision28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)Flexible working arrangements in refurbished officesEmployee Assistance ProgrammeRelocation SchemeStaff network groupsReady to Join Us?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.Find out more about our new terms and conditions in our 'More than just a job' brochure on our careers site.For an informal discussion, contact Vanessa Johns, Service Manager for Children and Families First and PLO & Court at vanessa.johns@bcpcouncil.gov.ukApply today and help us make a difference.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 CouncilBCP 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, word-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. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page) Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you More About us | Working for BCP DBSBCP 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. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.