Social Worker – Children in Care

Social Worker – Children in Care Service – Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council

Rate: Up to £45 per hour
Location: BCP Civic Centre, Bournemouth
Contract: Locum
Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in-office)

Sheldon Phillips is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Children in Care Service at Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council on a locum basis. This role offers the chance to work within a progressive service dedicated to delivering relationship-based, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed practice in line with BCP’s restorative practice model.

The Children in Care Service supports children and young people in care to achieve stability, positive outcomes, and a smooth journey towards independence. This position is ideal for social workers passionate about direct relationship work with children, ensuring their voices are heard and their care plans are robust, aspirational, and outcome-driven.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Hold a manageable caseload of children in care, ensuring effective care planning and regular reviews.

  • Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children and young people, championing their voice and rights.

  • Undertake thorough assessments and produce clear, evidence-based care plans that reflect BCP’s restorative practice model.

  • Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, including schools, health, and foster carers, to promote positive outcomes.

  • Prepare high-quality reports for Looked After Children reviews, court proceedings, and other statutory meetings.

Requirements:

  • Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.

  • Significant experience working with children in care or long-term safeguarding.

  • Strong understanding of care planning, permanency, and the needs of looked-after children.

  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

  • Enhanced DBS check and full right to work in the UK.

Benefits of This Role:

  • Competitive pay rate of up to £45 per hour.

  • Minimum 3 days per week office-based at BCP Civic Centre.

  • Opportunity to work within a service committed to restorative, relationship-based practice.

  • Supportive management and a culture that values reflective supervision and professional development.

For more details or to apply, contact: Fred Thomas

 or fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com.