Social Worker (Level 2 & 3) – PLO & Court Teams

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

Job summary

A local governmental council in Dorset seeks experienced Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) for PLO & Court Teams. The role involves working collaboratively with families to ensure child safety and support, alongside managing complex cases. Applicants should have significant frontline safeguarding experience, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to professional development. The council offers competitive salaries, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for career growth. Join us and help make a real difference in children's lives.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

Relocation Scheme

28 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Significant frontline safeguarding social work experience.
• Ability to manage complex referrals and casework.
• Willingness to undergo Practice Education training.

Responsibilities

• Work with families to address needs and risks.
• Collaborate with legal representatives on action plans.
• Ensure smooth transitions for children needing permanency.

Skills

Experience in frontline safeguarding social work

Analytical and decision-making skills

Conflict resolution skills

Mentoring experience

Commitment to professional development

Travel willingness

Job description

Social Workers (Level 2 & 3) – PLO & Court 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 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.”

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 £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

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