Social worker and experienced social worker - Family Support and Safeguarding teams
We have exciting opportunities for qualified social workers to join our Children and Families directorate, in one of our Family Support and Safeguarding teams based in Portsmouth City Council. We have been recognised by Ofsted as a "Good" local authority with "Outstanding" for our Family Safeguarding and Support teams.
The successful candidate will have an opportunity to be based within one of our Family Support and Safeguarding teams. Within this team you will be working to provide support under children in need or in need of protection where necessary, or when children have come into the care of Children's Social Care. You may be involved in working families under Public Law Outline (PLO) or within care proceedings. All of this will be undertaken with the support of your manager.
You will be supported in your practice by your service and team leaders, your peers and our Stronger Futures Academy. You will be offered restorative practice and motivational interviewing training in your first year of employment and we have a comprehensive continuing professional development pathway to meet the standards of Social Work England.
Foster carers
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference? Join us as a foster carer and help transform the lives of children and young people in Portsmouth!
At Portsmouth City Council, we are seeking compassionate, committed individuals to become foster carers. We offer a unique opportunity to work flexibly from home, while being self-employed, supported, and well-compensated for your dedication.
Why become a foster carer?
- Competitive allowances, skills fees and tax benefits — a rewarding role that values your commitment
- Be your own boss while making a real impact on the lives of children who need safe, loving homes
- Access to comprehensive training and continuous support from our experienced team
- Join a team that uses a strength-based, restorative practice model to create positive, lasting change in children's lives
- Work for an Ofsted rated “Good” local authority
Who we're looking for:
- People with a big heart who can provide stability and care to children from diverse backgrounds
- Resilient and empathetic individuals willing to champion children’s needs
- Those with time, space, and the commitment to make a difference
- Childcare experience is beneficial, but not essential
- People who are able to care for a child in their home and whom have a spare bedroom
Benefits:
- Tax-free allowances - fostering allowances do not usually impact any benefits you receive or tax you pay
- Competitive skills fees
- Access to local support groups and networks
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 support from our dedicated fostering team
- Wrap around professional support, include therapeutic support for child and carers
- A wide range of discounts and benefits in and around Portsmouth
- Free leisure card
- Potential to become part of our nationally recognised Mockingbird Programme
Successful candidates will join a community of caring and like-minded people. You will receive comprehensive, ongoing training and professional development, a mentor to work alongside you and a specialist social worker to support and guide you. Fostering is a team activity, so you will never be alone.
Ready to change lives? Visit Foster Portsmouth to learn more or call us today to start your journey!
Experienced social worker (Fostering)
The service
Portsmouth City Council's new Homes and Families for Children Service is committed to high standards and a culture of restorative practice. We are continuing to increase foster carer numbers and the menu of support to carers year on year. This is an exciting time to join us as we strive to further enhance outcomes for the children we care for. We are a small team with close working relationships with Social Workers across Children's Social care. We are committed to professional development and the provision of training to staff and all our carers. We have a trauma informed approach - for example we are trained in Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and Motivational Interviewing.
The role
There are opportunities in our Fostering Support Team and our Kinship Care Team. You will manage and support a caseload of foster carers to provide excellent care to ensure the best outcomes for children we care for, and supporting carers to apply a trauma-informed approach in their care of children. You will have a critical role in supporting the carer to develop good relationships with children and their families, providing stable nurturing family homes for as long as the children need to be with them. You will be part of a team around the child developing good working relationships with a range of professionals involved with children and their families. You will be involved with a range of care types within the fostering service, including the Mockingbird Model of Care.