Children's Social Worker - Level 2​/PLO and Court Team

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

• Salary Band 10 - Starting Salary £44,075 & Band 11 - Starting Salary £48,226

Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP), Dorset
Salary: Competitive + Local Government Pension + Potential Relocation Scheme
Contract: Full-time & Part-Time, Permanent

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.

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

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.

• 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