Children's Social Worker Level 2​/Children and Families First Team

Overview

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 6 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.

• 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
• Be able to travel across the BCP area

• Experience in frontline safeguarding social work
• Ability to manage complex referrals and casework
• Be able to travel across the BCP area
• Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check at suitable level
• Existing right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship)

The pay range for this role is £42,839-£53,460 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). The Recruitment & Retention Supplement for this role may be up to £3,249 per annum (pro rata for part-time colleagues). Supplements are temporary and discretionary, as described in our Interim Salary Supplement policy, which will be replaced by the new Pay and Allowances policy being introduced on 1 December 2025.

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 starting salary is at the bottom of the pay band.

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. We offer opportunities to grow within a forward-thinking team and a supportive workplace. We strive to provide a diverse and inclusive environment.