Children's Social Workers - Level 3 - Fostering - Kinship/SGO assessments

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Social Workers Level 3 – Kinship/SGO assessments

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

Make a real difference in children’s lives. Join us at BCP Council.

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 Team.

Why BCP?

Our workforce says it best:
“I’ve never felt so supported.”
“BCP is like one big family… which is really rewarding.”
“You can do lots of different direct work with children – last year I even went crabbing with a family on the beach. It was amazing!”

About the Role

Over the past few years, we have seen a remarkable 35% increase in the number of kinship carers coming forward to support children within their extended families. This growth reflects the dedication of our communities and the strong belief that children thrive best when they can remain connected to the people who know and love them. As our kinship offer continues to expand, we have a real opportunity to strengthen our assessment and recruitment pathways, ensuring carers receive the highest‑quality support from the outset.

At the same time, our work with SGO families continues to grow, and with it the opportunity to enhance the support we offer to children who have achieved permanence in these homes. In addition, BCP’s Supported Lodgings scheme is now Ofsted Registered which opens exciting possibilities for developing the service further.

We are looking for motivated, child‑focused staff who can undertake high‑quality assessments at pace and contribute to shaping a service that offers safe, stable and loving homes for our children in care. You will be part of a supportive team, led by experienced managers, and surrounded by dedicated and supported colleagues.

This is a specialist role completing high‑quality SGO and Kinship Care assessments. The successful applicant will hold a caseload of 4–5 assessments at any one time and must be highly organised with strong analytical assessment skills.

You will have the support of the team manager, SGO assessment colleagues, along with wider fostering service.

You need to be a qualified social worker with SWE registration and hold a Diploma and or degree in social work.

You are required to need to travel so will need business insurance and at times need to stay overnight.

What We Offer

• Full induction & Practice Fundamentals support
• Clear career progression & excellent learning opportunities
• Manageable caseloads & regular supervision
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Relocation Scheme
• Staff network groups

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re reflective, proactive, resilient, and passionate about putting children’s voices at the heart of everything you do, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about our new terms and conditions in our 'More than just a job' brochure on our careers site.
For an informal discussion, contact Deborah Bennett, Team Manager at deborah.bennett3@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

Apply today and help us make a difference.

Please note, we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. We can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP