Children's Social Workers

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

Job summary

A local council is seeking experienced Children's Social Workers for Level 2/3 roles in the PLO and Court Team. The role involves managing complex cases, supporting families, and ensuring child safety through collaborative action plans. The position offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities. Candidates should have significant social work experience and a commitment to children's welfare. Apply today to help us make a real difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

Relocation Scheme

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Significant experience in frontline safeguarding social work is essential.
• Ability to manage complex referrals and casework is critical.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Work with families to address needs and risks.
• Manage PLO process and collaborate on action plans.
• Coordinate with Children in Care Team for smooth transitions.

Skills

Frontline safeguarding social work

Complex referrals and casework management

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Conflict resolution skills

Mentoring experience

Commitment to professional development

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Overview

Children's Social Workers - Level 2/3 - PLO and Court Team

Salary Band 10 - Starting Salary £42,839 & Band 11 - Starting Salary £47,181

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 specialist PLO & Court 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: “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.”

Check out this video: A day in the life of three social workers at BCP Council on Vimeo

About the Role

Our two specialist PLO & Court Teams work with families where concerns have reached the threshold for pre-proceedings. Families are presented at Legal Gateway Panel to consider if the threshold is met and to devise a plan of support. If so, the family is invited to a formal PLO meeting with legal representation to collaborate on an action plan to reduce risks to the child(ren).

You’ll work closely with families to address needs and risks, supporting them with issues such as domestic abuse, adult mental health, and substance misuse. We also work with the Parental Substance Misuse Court (PSMC). Issuing care proceedings is always the last resort—the PLO process represents a genuine opportunity to work collaboratively with families to avoid court where possible.

There is a strong emphasis on securing permanency for children and exploring family support networks to reduce risk and increase safety. For children who require permanency outside the home, you’ll work jointly with the Children in Care Team or Aspire Adoption Team to ensure smooth transitions.

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.

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 coastline. We 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 on the Employee benefits page.

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.