Impactful Family Help Social Worker - Safeguarding & Support

Dorset Council UK; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Family Help Social Worker to join its integrated locality teams, delivering timely support to children and families in need. You will work across targeted early help, Child in Need, and Child Protection, ensuring safeguarding while enabling sustainable change.

Join a team with reflective supervision, strong leadership, and opportunities for progression from Level 1 to Experienced Social Worker and beyond. Flexible working is considered, with travel across localities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
• Newly qualified? join the ASYE programme; experienced? demonstrate statutory practice and risk analysis.
• Balance safeguarding with supportive, outcomes-focused practice; driving licence required for travel.

Responsibilities

• Deliver assessments that lead to clear and measurable change.
• Ensure children’s lived experience shapes analysis and planning.
• Build purposeful relationships with families.
• Work restoratively and provide constructive challenge when required.
• Prepare high-quality reports for court.
• Contribute to multi-agency decision making that progresses plans.
• Engage in reflective supervision and continuous development.

Skills

Relationship building

Risk analysis

Court work

Report writing

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Social Work degree

ASYE programme

Job description

Dorset Council is seeking a Family Help Social Worker to join its integrated locality teams, delivering timely support to children and families in need. You will work across targeted early help, Child in Need, and Child Protection, ensuring safeguarding while enabling sustainable change.

Join a team with reflective supervision, strong leadership, and opportunities for progression from Level 1 to Experienced Social Worker and beyond. Flexible working is considered, with travel across localities.