Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) – Children and Families First Teams

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

Job summary

A local government council in the UK is seeking experienced Social Workers for their Children and Families First Teams. The role involves working with children at risk and providing long-term support to families. Candidates should have substantial safeguarding experience, strong decision-making capabilities, and a commitment to professional development. In return, the council offers competitive salaries, local government pension, and various employee benefits. Join us in making a real difference to children’s lives and help transform services in our community.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

28 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Practice Fundamentals support

Relocation Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in frontline safeguarding social work is essential.
• Ability to manage complex referrals and casework is required.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills are needed.

Responsibilities

• Work with families where children are assessed at risk.
• Support children subject to child‑protection plans.
• Use a restorative practice framework with families.

Skills

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

Job description

Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) – Children and Families First 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 Children and Families First 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:

• 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

Safeguarding is everyone’s business. While initial risk assessments take place in the Assessment Service, our Children and Families First teams provide longer‑term intervention for families where level 4 support is needed to reduce risk and achieve positive change. You’ll work with families where children have been assessed as being in need or at risk of harm. This includes supporting children subject to child‑in‑need and child‑protection plans, and in some cases, children at the early stages of being looked after. Our teams use a restorative practice framework and a range of interventions to address and reduce risk. Key areas of focus include co‑production, safety planning, strong relationships with children, early permanence planning, and legal interventions where children are not considered safe in their family.

There are six Children and Families First teams, each consisting of a Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager, 7 Social Workers, and a Family Support Practitioner. All statutory teams are co‑located at the Civic Centre, Bournemouth, but work flexibly across the BCP area.

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 Vanessa Johns, Service Manager for Children and Families First and PLO & Court 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