Job Description

About Us Connect2Dorset

Supporting social workers to make a real difference for children and families in Dorset

Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, offering temporary, contract and interim opportunities within the Council. Our work is guided by strong values ethical practice, trust, and genuine care and every penny of our profit goes back into supporting our Local Authority communities.

We're proud that Dorset Council is rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our services for children, young people and families. This reflects our commitment to high-quality, child‑centred work, strong leadership, and a culture where practitioners feel supported to do their best work.

Leading Meaningful National Change

Dorset is at the forefront of innovation. As a national Pathfinder for the Families First for Children (FFC) Programme, we are helping shape the future of family support and child protection in England.

This reform focuses on delivering earlier, more joined‑up help for families. In Dorset, we're implementing a blended model aligned with The Families First Partnership (FFP) Programme Guide, bringing together services so that families receive:

✔ the right help

✔ at the right time

✔ from practitioners who really know them

Family Help Teams Where You Can Make an Impact

We are integrating our Family Help and Child Protection teams to create a seamless service where families only need to tell their story once. As a Social Worker in our Family Help Teams, you'll:

build strong, long‑lasting relationships

support children and families through their journey, from Early Help to court proceedings

work alongside skilled colleagues committed to trauma‑informed and restorative practiceWe welcome social workers at all experience levels who are passionate about strengthening families and improving outcomes.

As part of national reforms, we're shaping our Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and introducing Lead Child Protection Practitioners, giving you specialist colleagues to work closely with in supporting children at risk of significant harm.

About the Role

You will be joining a supportive, well-structured, and growing team, with flexible working and regular reflective supervision. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a fast-paced but nurturing environment within a forward-thinking authority.

What You'll Do Day-to-Day

As a Social Worker, you'll support children across the full continuum of need, including:

targeted early help

Child in Need plans

Child Protection plans

pre‑proceedings and court proceedingsYour responsibilities include:

delivering statutory services in line with the Children Act 1989 and relevant legislation

completing high‑quality assessments and timely care plans

safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children through direct, meaningful work

building resilience with families through restorative and strengths-based approaches

preparing clear, well-evidenced reports for court and multi‑agency professionals

chairing meetings that bring professionals together around a unified plan

maintaining accurate case records

undertaking specialist assessments with full training provided

working closely with early years, education, police, health and community partners to create coordinated, child-centred supportSkills & Requirements

Minimum of 3 years' post‑qualification experience within English Local Authorities

Enhanced DBS/CRB (we can arrange this)

SWE Registration

Degree in Social Work (or equivalent)

Eligibility to work in the UK

Ability to travel across Dorset as needed

About You

You are a committed, thoughtful practitioner with strong knowledge of statutory children's services. You bring confidence in managing complex court work and are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families.

If you believe in relationship-based practice, early intervention, and working within a supportive and forward-thinking service we'd love to hear from you.

Please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated recruitment team if you have any questions or feel you have the requirements to fulfil this post. We offer a £500 referral bonus to anyone who is successfully placed in a new role.

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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