Children's Social Worker Level 2/3

BCP Council; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority council in the UK is seeking experienced Social Workers for their Children in Care Teams. The role involves collaborating with carers, families, and agencies to ensure each child receives outstanding care and support. Candidates should have significant frontline safeguarding experience and strong analytical and decision-making skills. This position offers competitive salaries with additional benefits, including a relocation scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

28 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Clear career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work.
• Ability to manage complex referrals and casework.
• Experience mentoring less experienced staff or students.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with carers, families, and agencies to create and maintain care plans.
• Ensure every child receives the best possible care.

Skills

Experience in frontline safeguarding social work

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Conflict resolution

Mentoring experience

Commitment to professional development

Job description

Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Children in Care Team

• Salary Band 10 - Starting Salary £42,839 & Band 11 - Starting Salary £47,181 plus up to £3,249 contractual supplement

Job Introduction

Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) – Children in Care Teams

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

You’ll also need to be able 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)
• Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Relocation Scheme (with Director approval)
• Staff network groups

Ready to Join Us?

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.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure

For an informal discussion, contact Shan Searle, Service Manager for Children in Care at [e-mail].

Visit our BCP Partnership Academy for more details.

Apply today and help us make a difference.

The pay range for this role will be £42,839– £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.

The Recruitment & Retention Supplement for this role may be up to £3,249 per annum (pro rata for part time colleagues)

Recruitment and Retention Supplements are in addition to the base salary. They are temporary, and awarded solely at the discretion of BCP Council, in accordance with Pay and Allowances policy being introduced on 1 December 2025.

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.

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

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. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.