Social Worker Level 3 Family help Permanence

Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities across the authority. Our service is built on ethical, trustworthy and caring values, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join Dorset Council's Child Protection Permanence Team. This is a fast-paced and rewarding role focused on securing permanence for children with care plans for adoption and ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Working alongside families, carers, colleagues and partner agencies, you will play a key role in achieving stability and long-term permanence for children in care.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cases for children with permanence and adoption care plans
• Undertake court work and care proceedings
• Complete Child Permanence Reports (CPRs)
• Work collaboratively with children, families, carers and partner agencies
• Support children in care to achieve positive outcomes
• Use evidence-based interventions to promote change and improve family outcomes
• Contribute to permanence planning and adoption processes
• Maintain accurate case records and assessments
• Prioritise and manage a busy caseload effectively

Requirements

• Social Work England registration
• Recognised Social Work qualification
• Significant experience within Children's Services in an English Local Authority
• Previous experience working with Children in Care (LAC)
• Experience of court work and care proceedings
• Previous experience of Adoption work and CPR writing
• Strong assessment, report writing and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and seek advice when required
• Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Working knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and relevant childcare legislation
• Understanding of permanence planning, adoption processes and statutory guidance
• Ability to build effective relationships with children, families and professionals
• Skills in anticipating and managing conflict situations positively

Benefits

• £150 per week allowable expenses*
• Travel reimbursement
• £500 Referral Bonus (Terms & Conditions Apply)

• *Allowable expenses are payable where the candidate's home address is more than 30 miles from the designated work location hub, subject to Connect2Dorset's Terms & Conditions *