Social Worker - Child Protection

Dorset Council UK; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council UK is seeking a Social Worker for Child Protection, where you will lead initiatives to safeguard children and support families. With a focus on high-quality, collaborative practices, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing to innovative child protection strategies and ensuring the welfare of children. Candidates must possess a Social Work qualification and several years of relevant experience. This opportunity promises professional development, support, and the chance to make a significant impact in the field of social work.

Benefits

Extensive training provision

Wellbeing support services

Protected supervision time

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience in Children’s Services.
• High level of knowledge of statutory social care services.

Responsibilities

• Deliver statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989.
• Undertake assessments and develop effective plans.
• Chair multi-agency meetings to review plans.

Skills

Assessment

Child Protection

Collaboration

Report Writing

Intervention Strategies

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

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We’re proud to say Dorset Council has recently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our work with children, young people and families. This reflects our commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice and the positive culture we’ve built across our services.

Lead national change

Dorset is one of just three Pathfinder sites selected nationally for the Families First for Children programme. This means we’re leading a new approach to child protection that will shape the future of social work in England. It also brings dedicated funding, government support, and the chance to influence national policy and practice.

A new way of working

Our approach keeps families at the centre. We’re redesigning child protection conferences to encourage genuine collaboration and reduce jargon. Our Quality Assurance Reviewing Officers (QAROs) work directly with families, helping explain processes, build understanding, and maintain regular contact.

You’ll have the support of our Safeguarding Together teams - multidisciplinary professionals working together across each locality. These teams were developed in-house following a successful pilot and are now fully embedded into everyday practice.

A culture of development

We take professional development seriously. We have an extensive training offer. You’ll access training in motivational interviewing, restorative practice and strength-based approaches. You’ll also have protected time for both individual and group supervision. Our regular Partnership Workforce Events are a chance to step back, challenge current thinking and shape new ideas.

We know social work can be demanding. That’s why we invest in your wellbeing with talking therapies, support from our Mental Health Champions, and practical workshops led by our Employee Wellbeing Team.

Locality-based working

Our service is split into four localities: East Dorset & Purbeck, West Dorset & Dorchester, Chesil (Weymouth & Portland), and North Dorset. While each area has its own unique geography, you’ll be part of a wider integrated team including early help, SEND, education and inclusion colleagues. If you have a location preference, you’re welcome to note this on your application.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you’ll work with families who are subject to Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings and court proceedings. Your responsibilities will include:

• delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation
• undertaking assessments of children’s needs and developing effective, timely plans
• promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children through direct work and support
• working in partnership with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention
• preparing high-quality reports for court and other professional settings
• chairing multi-agency meetings to review and progress plans
• keeping accurate and up-to-date records using our case management system
• working closely with the Lead Family Help Practitioner to provide expert child protection input
• undertaking specialist assessments once training has been completed
  
  

Join us in Dorset and be part of something genuinely different. This is your chance to work in an outstanding authority, shape the future of social work, and make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

About You

You will have a Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post. You will need to have completed your ASYE and have a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in Children’s Services.

You will be able to demonstrate a high level of post-qualification knowledge of statutory social care services, with experience of delivering complex court proceedings in a variety of court settings. We would love to hear from you.

Due to the current need, applications can only be accepted from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Government Administration

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