Permanence Team - Social Worker

Job Title: Permanence Social Worker
Location: Dorset
Rate: Up to £38.00 per hour
Contract Type: Full-time, Temporary / Interim
Service Area: Children’s Social Care – Permanence Team

Help children in Dorset find stability, security, and brighter futures.
We’re seeking an experienced and passionate Social Worker to join Dorset’s Permanence Team, supporting children in care and those on their journey towards long-term, stable placements. Your work will ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive.

The Role

As a Permanence Social Worker, you will:

• Manage a caseload of children who are in care, placed for adoption, or subject to Special Guardianship Orders.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, carers, and families to ensure their needs are fully understood and met.

• Develop and deliver robust permanence plans, ensuring the child’s voice is central to every decision.

• Work closely with fostering, adoption, health, and education teams to secure positive outcomes.

• Prepare clear, evidence-based reports for court and panel meetings.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.

• Has experience in permanence, looked-after children, or adoption work.

• Understands the complexities of care planning and can navigate challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.

• Has strong communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.

• Is committed to keeping the child at the heart of all practice.

Why Join Dorset?

• Competitive rate up to £38.00 per hour.

• Be part of a passionate, supportive team with a child-focused culture.

• Opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.

• The chance to make a lasting difference in children’s lives by securing safe, loving, and permanent homes.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to use your skills to help children achieve lasting stability, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Fred Thomas on 01635 226350 or fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com.