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

BCP Council; Hurn; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

BCP Council is seeking passionate Children's Social Workers for its Assessment Team. The role involves conducting complex assessments that truly impact children's lives, with clear opportunities for career progression. This supportive environment offers flexibility, competitive salary, and a commitment to professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Relocation Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive training programs

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring less experienced staff.
• Ability to handle complex casework.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments within statutory timescales.
• Facilitate family network meetings.
• Manage a caseload with a focus on safeguarding.

Skills

Mentoring

Risk analysis

Decision-making

Presentation

Conflict resolution

Education

Post-qualifying award

Job description

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

• Salary Band I £37,938 - £40,476 p.a. plus £4,234 p.a. contractual supplement and Band J - £41,511 - £44,711 p.a. plus £5,719 contractual supplement p.a.

Job Introduction

This is what our current workforce say about working for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) in Dorset:

"As for a social worker, there is career progression that is encouraged within BCP and it's a very rewarding job and something that I absolutely love."

"It's a lovely place to come and live and work. So if you're not from the local area, come down to Dorset. It's 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 our team:

BCP Council Children’s Services have 4 Assessment Teams, each comprising 1 Team Manager, 1 Assistant Team Manager, and 6 Social Workers. The teams are co-located at the Civic Centre Bournemouth but work flexibly across the BCP area.

Our goal: Gaining an understanding of a child’s circumstances within their family in a short period, then developing and supporting a plan to make a positive difference. Good assessment work is vital for a good children’s service.

Our work: The Assessment Team undertake initial single assessments within statutory timescales and ongoing assessments from referral through to case closure. They facilitate family network meetings to bring the family’s support network 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).

Are you passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives?

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is seeking dedicated, compassionate, and experienced Social Workers at Levels 2 & 3. We are proud to have achieved a GOOD rating from Ofsted in Dec 2024, recognizing our commitment to providing excellent care and support for children and families.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Your unique experiences and perspectives will help us continue delivering outstanding care to children in our community.

If you are an experienced Social Worker, we want to hear from you. If you are reflective, proactive, resilient, and eager to make a difference while ensuring children’s voices are central, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council could be the right place for you.

This is an exciting time in BCP Children’s Services, offering the opportunity to impact the lives of vulnerable children and young people. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and supporting outstanding social workers to help children grow and flourish. If you enjoy a challenge and want to work where you can see the difference you make, please contact us.

If you are interested in this social work role, you should:

• Have experience mentoring less experienced staff, including new and newly qualified social workers and students on placement.

• Possess a post-qualifying award (e.g., Practice Education) or be willing to undertake Practice Education training.

• Be working towards the DfE Knowledge and Skills statements for child and family practitioners.

• Be able to handle complex referrals and casework with high-quality risk analysis and decision-making skills.

• Have strong presentation and conflict resolution skills.

• Be committed to continuous professional development.

• Develop and maintain a professional network to share expertise and support outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

We will require you to:

• Be able to travel across the full Council area promptly.

• Have significant front-line safeguarding experience.

We offer:

• Full induction and supportive Practice Fundamentals training.

• Clear career progression and excellent learning opportunities.

• Manageable and diverse caseloads.

• Regular supervision.

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays.

• Competitive salary with access to the local government pension scheme.

• Flexible working arrangements in refurbished Civic Offices and local offices.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Relocation Scheme.

• Staff network groups.

For an informal discussion, contact:

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

More details are available on our BCP Partnership Academy

About BCP Council:

BCP Council serves a diverse community of 400,000 residents, employing over 5,000 staff, with over 15 miles of renowned coastline. We offer career-defining roles to improve services and help create a thriving, inclusive place for future generations.

Our Benefits:

We offer an excellent benefits package. For more details, see here.

Following the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying terms and conditions and establishing a single pay structure for all employees. We aim to ensure continuous service, no job reductions, and fair treatment during this transition. If you have questions, please contact the hiring manager.

DBS:

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will need to complete an appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service Check. See the Job Description or Role Profile for details.

• Social Worker JD and PS BCP.pdf