Children's Social Worker - Level 2/3 - Assessment Team

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

Job summary

A local government council is looking for experienced Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) to join their Assessment Teams in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. This role involves conducting assessments and developing plans that positively impact children's lives. Candidates should have significant frontline safeguarding experience and strong analytical skills. The council offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work environment to make a real difference in children’s lives.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

Potential Relocation Scheme

28 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work.
• Ability to manage complex referrals and casework.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments within statutory timescales.
• Facilitate family network meetings.
• Develop plans making a positive difference for children.

Skills

Frontline safeguarding social work

Casework management

Analytical skills

Mentoring

Conflict resolution

Commitment to professional development

Job description

Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - Assessment 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) – Assessment 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 Assessment 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:
“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 Assessment Teams, you’ll play a vital role in gaining a clear understanding of a child’s circumstances and developing plans that make a positive difference. Good assessment work is the foundation of a strong children’s service, and your expertise will help us deliver exactly that.

You’ll undertake initial single assessments within statutory timescales and continuous assessments from referral through to case closure. You’ll also facilitate family network meetings to bring support networks together. Work from this team will either close, step down, or transfer to another team at an agreed time. Social workers sit in four pods with a four-weekly turnaround (the 20-day time limit on assessments).

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
• Staff network groups

Ready 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 Nigel Burton, Service Manager for Assessment at [e-mail].

Visit our BCP Partnership Academy website for more details.

Apply today and help us make a difference.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

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 our Interim Salary Supplement policy, which will be replaced by the new 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.