Children's Social Worker Level 3 Fostering - Special Guardianship/Kinship Team

BCP Council; England; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization in the UK is seeking passionate Children's Social Workers for the Special Guardianship/Kinship Team. The role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in children's lives through detailed assessments and support. With a competitive salary range of £47,181–£53,460 and excellent career progression, this position welcomes both full-time and part-time candidates. Join a supportive team committed to child-centered practices and enjoy flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

Potential Relocation Scheme

28 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Clear career progression

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified social worker with SWE registration.
• Required to travel and may need to stay overnight.
• Experience in detailed assessments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Special Guardianship assessments within 12 weeks.
• Work closely with childcare social workers and other agencies.
• Prepare detailed reports for court in a timely manner.

Skills

Planning

Organizational skills

Strong analytical skills

Court experience

Education

Diploma or degree in social work

SWE registration

Job description

Children's Social Workers - Level 3 - Fostering - Special Guardianship/Kinship Team

Job Introduction

The pay range for this role will be £47,181–£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.

Recruitment & Retention Supplement

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.

Social Workers Level 3 – Special Guardianship/Kinship Team

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 Special Guardianship/Kinship Team.

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!

About the Role

This is an exciting and interesting opportunity to join a very experienced team well versed in detailed assessments. We are looking for a Level 3 social worker to predominantly undertake Special guardianship assessments which we need to complete in 12 weeks as per our SG guidance. Therefore, we are looking for someone who always puts children at the heart of everything they do and understands the importance of a child’s permanence. Our assessments are part of key planning in relation to the child’s care plan and are key documents to assist in determining the child’s minority which is why our role is so important.

You must have good planning, organisational and strong analytical skills and be able to work closely with both professionals and the applicants who put themselves forward to care for the child. In addition to working closely with the childcare social worker as well as all other agencies involved to complete a thorough, comprehensive detailed report. The assessments are in depth requiring a knowledge of the special guardianship regulations and best practice guidance. It’s a tight turnaround so you need to be prepared to work quickly and smartly. This report is filed with the court, and you are likely to be expected to attend court and give evidence if required so some court experience would be helpful.

We are based in the Fostering service as a stand‑alone team, but we do undertake Kinship assessments which can comprise special guardianship and or the full fostering as well. Therefore, a knowledge of fostering would be helpful although training will be provided.

You will have the support of the team manager, SGO assessment colleagues, along with wider fostering service.

You need to be a qualified social worker with SWE registration and hold a Diploma and or degree in social work.

You are required to need to travel so will need business insurance and at times need to stay overnight.

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 Lorraine Anderson, Team Manager Special Guardianship/Kinship Team at [e-mail].

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

Visit our BCP Partnership Academy website for more details.

Apply today and help us make a difference.

Please note, we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. We can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

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.

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP.