Social Worker - Permanence

This is a great opportunity to join our Permanence Service as a qualified social worker, supporting children in care from the conclusion of care proceedings through every stage of their journey. You’ll have the chance to build long-term, meaningful relationships with children, providing consistency and trusted support over the years.

Your role will include:

• Developing and delivering care plans tailored to each child’s needs
• Working closely with our fostering service and commissioning team to identify permanent homes
• Supporting stability for children in their homes
• Partnering with the Virtual School and the Children in Care Health Team to help children achieve their full potential

We are committed to ensuring that every child in our care is supported to thrive, no matter where they live. While most of our children are based locally or in neighbouring areas, some are placed in other parts of the country. You’ll play a key role in ensuring they receive the same high standard of service wherever they are.

About you

You’ll be a registered and qualified social worker with a genuine commitment to children in care and a focus on promoting their best interests. We’re looking for colleagues who can offer stability in professional relationships and share our dedication to long-term, high-quality support.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is registered with Social Work England
• Can build strong, lasting relationships with children and young people
• Is committed to delivering a consistent and high-quality service
• Is willing and able to travel nationwide, including occasional overnight stays

In return, you will benefit from:

• Supportive managers and regular supervision
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career

This role is full time at 37 hours but flexible working will be considered.

For an informal conversation or if you have any questions please contact Catherine Philips, [email protected]

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

See the children’s social worker framework.

You must:

• have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post
• have the right to work in the UK

Friends and Family Referral Scheme

The friends and family referral scheme applies to this post. If an employee recommended this post to you mention them when asked on your application form. They'll give you all the information you need.

Employees can share this advert by using the button links alongside the job title.

Relocation expenses package

A generous relocation package is payable, of which up to £8,000 (of HMRC eligible elements) are free of tax. We can offer you help to move whether you are looking to buy or rent, depending on your circumstances.

Our package includes:

• an initial advance of up to £2,500 payable when you start
• help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to £6,500)
• an option to receive help towards your rent or mortgage in the first two

Friends & Family Referral Scheme

The friends and family referral scheme applies to this post. If an employee recommended this post to you, please make sure to mention them when applying.

Employees can share this advert by using the button links alongside the job title.

Relocation expenses package

A generous relocation package is payable, of which up to £8,000 (of HMRC eligible elements) are free of tax. We can offer you help to move whether you are looking to buy or rent, depending on your circumstances.

Our package includes:

• an initial advance of up to £2,500 payable when you start
• help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to £6,500)
• an option to receive help towards your rent or mortgage in the first two years

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.