Locum Child Protection Qualified Social Worker

Qualified Social Worker – Children’s Services (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council)

Job Overview

We are recruiting an experienced **Qualified Social Worker (QSW)** to join **Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s Children’s Services team**. This role focuses on safeguarding children, supporting families, and delivering effective statutory interventions to improve outcomes for young people across the area.

As part of BCP Council’s children’s social care team, you will work directly with children and families, managing complex caseloads, and collaborating with partner agencies to ensure safe, timely, and child-focused support.

Key Responsibilities

– Carry out in-depth assessments of children and families, identifying needs, risks, and strengths. – Develop and implement child-centred care and protection plans in line with statutory frameworks. – Undertake safeguarding work, including child protection enquiries and care proceedings. – Prepare high-quality, evidence-based reports for court, case conferences, and statutory reviews. – Work in partnership with schools, health professionals, police, and voluntary organisations to deliver coordinated support. – Ensure the child’s voice is central to decision-making and practice. – Maintain accurate and timely records in compliance with legislation and council policies. – Contribute to reflective practice, supervision, and continuous service improvement.

About You

You are a resilient and compassionate social worker with strong skills in assessment, safeguarding, and partnership working. You can manage complex cases effectively and demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the lives of children and families. Your ability to build trust, work collaboratively, and make sound professional decisions will be key to your success in this role.

Requirements

– Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**. – Experience working within statutory **Children’s Services**, including safeguarding and child protection. – Strong knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and relevant legislation (Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children). – Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills. – Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a child-focused approach.

Contract & Salary

– Employer: **Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council)** – Service: **Children’s Services** – Contract type: **Full-time, locum/temporary contract via Tripod Partners** – Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

How to Apply

If you are a Qualified Social Worker looking to take on a children’s services role with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, we’d like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.