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

Community Care Live; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority council in Christchurch is seeking experienced, passionate Children's Social Workers for its Assessment Teams. You will play a critical role in assessing children's circumstances, developing impactful plans, and managing complex cases. This position offers a starting salary range of £42,839 to £53,460 and excellent career progression opportunities. Ideal candidates will have significant frontline social work experience and a commitment to child welfare. Apply now and make a meaningful difference in children's lives.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme

Relocation Scheme

Clear career progression

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring less experienced staff or students.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Willingness to undertake Practice Education training if not already qualified.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments within statutory timescales.
• Develop plans to positively impact children's circumstances.
• Facilitate family network meetings.
• Manage caseloads and ensure effective supervision.

Skills

Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work

Strong analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Conflict resolution skills

Ability to manage complex referrals

Job description

Children’s Social Workers – Level 2/3 Assessment Team

Band 10 – Starting salary £42,839 & Band 11 – Starting salary £47,181 plus up to £3,249 contractual supplement.

Job Introduction

We’re proud to have achieved a GOOD Ofsted rating (Dec 2024) and are on an exciting improvement journey. We are looking for experienced, passionate Social Workers to join our Assessment Teams and help us deliver outstanding care and support to children and families who need us most.

Why BCP

Our workforce says it best: “Career progression is encouraged within BCP – it’s a rewarding job and something I absolutely love.” “It’s a lovely place to live and work. Dorset is 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 the Role

As part of one of our four Assessment Teams, you’ll play a vital role in gaining a clear understanding of a child’s circumstances and developing plans that make a positive difference. You’ll undertake initial single assessments within statutory timescales and continuous assessments from referral through to case closure, and facilitate family network meetings to bring support networks 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).

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

Travel across the BCP area is required.

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

For an informal discussion you can contact Nigel Burton, Service Manager for Assessment at [e-mail]. Apply today and help us make a difference.

Other Information

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. The pay range for this role is £42,839–£53,460 (pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues). The Recruitment & Retention Supplement may be up to £3,249 per annum.

Legal

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community. All applicants will be required to complete the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service Check.