Experienced Social Worker; Child Protection

Experienced Social Worker (Child Protection)

5 days ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

We’re proud to say Dorset Council has recently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our work with children, young people and families. This reflects our commitment to high-quality, child-centred practice and the positive culture we’ve built across our services.

Dorset was one of just three Pathfinder sites selected nationally for the Families First for Children programme. This means that we helped in leading a new approach to child protection that will shape the future of social work in England.

Our approach keeps families at the centre. We’ve redesigned child protection conferences to encourage genuine collaboration and reduce jargon. Our Quality Assurance Reviewing Officers (QAROs) work directly with families, helping explain processes, build understanding, and maintain regular contact. You’ll have the support of our Safeguarding Together teams – multidisciplinary professionals working together across each locality. These teams were developed in-house following a successful pilot and are now fully embedded into everyday practice.

We take professional development seriously. We have an extensive training offer and you’ll access training in motivational interviewing, restorative practice and strength-based approaches. You’ll also have protected time for both individual and group supervision. Our regular Partnership Workforce Events are a chance to step back, challenge current thinking and shape new ideas.

We know social work can be demanding. That’s why we invest in your wellbeing with talking therapies, support from our Mental Health Champions, and practical workshops led by our Employee Wellbeing Team.

Our service is split into four localities:
East Dorset & Purbeck, West Dorset & Dorchester, Chesil (Weymouth & Portland), and North Dorset. While each area has its own unique geography, you’ll be part of a wider integrated team including early help, SEND, education and inclusion colleagues. Please state your preference on your application.

As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you’ll work with families who are subject to Child in Need plans, Child Protection plans, pre-proceedings and court proceedings. Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation
• Undertaking assessments of children’s needs and developing effective, timely plans
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children through direct work and support
• Working in partnership with families to build resilience and reduce the need for ongoing intervention
• Preparing high-quality reports for court and other professional settings
• Chairing multi-agency meetings to review and progress plans
• Keeping accurate and up-to-date records using our case management system
• Working closely with the Lead Family Help Practitioner to provide expert child protection input
• Undertaking specialist assessments once training has been completed

You need to have a Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and you must have a valid driver's licence and access to a car. You will need to have completed your ASYE and have child protection experience in Children’s Services.

You will be able to demonstrate a high level of skill and knowledge in statutory social care services, with experience of delivering complex court proceedings in a variety of court settings.

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 a valid driver's licence and access to a car
• Have the right to work in the UK

This role is full time, 37 hours a week but flexible working will be considered. The post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or other suitable transport) available for use as needed.

• Initial advance of up to £2,500 payable when you start
• Help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to…