Social Worker

Social Worker – Permanence Team – Dorset Council

• £40.00 per hour
• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in the office
• Join a dedicated Permanence Team supporting children in long-term care planning
• Excellent management support and positive team culture
• Opportunity to work within a well-regarded local authority
• Long-term stable contract available

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Social Worker to join the Permanence Team at Dorset Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for a committed practitioner who is passionate about achieving long-term stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.

The role will involve working with children subject to care proceedings, long-term care planning, and permanency arrangements including adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering. You will work closely with children, carers, families, and partner agencies to ensure timely and effective permanence planning.

Dorset Council is recognised for its supportive working environment, child-focused approach, and commitment to high-quality social work practice. The service promotes reflective supervision, manageable team structures, and flexible hybrid working to support staff wellbeing and professional development.

• Managing a caseload of children requiring permanence planning and long-term care arrangements
• Undertaking assessments relating to adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering
• Progressing care planning and permanence outcomes within statutory timescales
• Preparing high-quality court reports, assessments, and care plans
• Working directly with children and families to achieve positive long-term outcomes
• Attending legal meetings, looked after children reviews, and multi-agency planning meetings
• Building strong working relationships with carers, partner agencies, and internal services
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case recordings in line with statutory requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification
• Registered with Social Work England
• Previous experience within Permanence, Looked After Children, or Children in Care services
• Strong knowledge of care planning, safeguarding, and court processes
• Experience completing assessments and preparing court reports
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively within a busy frontline environment
• Enhanced DBS preferred

• Competitive pay rate of £40.00 per hour
• Hybrid working with 3 office days per week
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Access to additional local authority opportunities
• Referral bonus scheme available
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s lives through permanence planning

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Josh Dhumisani
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