Social Worker Child Protection - Level 3

Join us as a Child Protection Social Worker and be part of our new way of working with families within the child protection space.

Here in Dorset, we've been recognised for our fantastic work with children, young people, and families, by leading the Families First Partnership nationally.

We have a strong emphasis on practitioner development with a variety of training on offer, including motivational interviewing, restorative practice, and strength-based approaches. Supervision is incredibly important to us with individual and group sessions regularly scheduled.

As a service, we periodically come together at Partnership Workforce Events where we are encouraged to think creatively, query existing practices, and devise innovative approaches.

Your wellbeing is a priority - you will find access to talking therapies, a network of Mental Health Champions, and workshops facilitated by our dedicated Employee Wellbeing Team.

Join us in Dorset and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our beautiful county.

What you will be doing

As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will be working in a multi-agency child protection team with families who are subject to Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings, and court proceedings to:

deliver the service in accordance with statutory responsibilities set out in the Children Act 1989 and other relevant legislation
undertake assessments of children's needs in accordance with Directorate policies and procedures
create effective plans which are reviewed in a timely manner
promote and safeguard the welfare of children
provide support, information, and advice to families to help parents become more self-reliant
prepare reports for courts and various meetings, presenting to a variety of professionals in different settings, and attend to give evidence in legal proceedings as required
chair multi-agency meetings that support the development and review of plans
maintain essential records, input, and maintain records on the core computer system as required
work alongside the Lead Family Help Practitioner, providing child protection expertise and leading on statutory work
undertake direct work with children and families to progress the plan
undertake specialist assessments once training has been provided

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 3 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.

have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
have at least 3 years' experience in English LA in similar role
be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post
have the right to work in the UK
Pass enhanced DBS checks
Further Information

This role is up to 37 hours and flexible working can be considered.

This post requires notable travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.
Connect2

Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2

Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Connect2

Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2

Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates