Job Description

Child Protection Social Worker - East Dorset

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 being selected as one of only three initial Families First for Children's Pathfinder sites nationally. This fantastic opportunity comes with central government grant funding and support which recognises the scale and ambition of the work we need to carry out.

Our teams are testing and influencing this innovative new direction for social care ahead of a nationwide rollout. We are ensuring that families are co-designing plans with our Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer (QARO) colleagues supporting in an independent capacity, taking time to discuss processes, explaining jargon and maintaining contact with families.

As a Child Protection Social Worker you'll chair an updated child protection conference, centred around greater collaboration and cohesion between all participants but keeping the family at the heart of the process. You'll have access to our multi agency Safeguarding Together teams, our 'in house' multi-disciplinary team after a successful pilot, which are replicated in each locality.

We have a strong emphasis on professional 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 complex 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 2 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 2 years' experience in England 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 full time at 37 hours but flexible working will be considered.

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

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

See the children's social worker framework.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.