Social work jobs board

View social work vacancies in children's social care at Portsmouth City Council

We're making it easier for qualified and experienced social workers to join our team with fantastic new benefits, including a market supplement payment of up to £3,000, relocation assistance of up to £8,000, and new career progression pathways.

Interested? Check out the social work vacancies below. Just click the 'find out more' button to see the details and apply. (A new window will open in your browser to the Portsmouth City Council website).

New market supplement payment ASYE → Team Leader

Paid over 12 monthly instalments, ASYEs through to team leaders in qualifying teams receive a market supplement payment of up to £3,000

Relocation support

For specific roles and where there is an employment need, Portsmouth City Council may help with costs associated with relocating of up to £8,000.

Enhanced health and wellbeing package

As an employee, you will benefit from third party support services including GP access and retailer discount schemes.

New career progression pathways

Experienced social workers can now progress to advanced social worker as part of new progression opportunities.

Featured Vacancies

Team Leader - Building your futures

Details

Full time, permanent

£52,412 - £56,759 per annum Plus, £2,500 per annum (Market supplement payment)

Closing: 16/09/2025

Market supplement
payment available

Relocation support
payment available

The service

The Building Your Futures Team supports children and young people who are looked after in foster care, cared for by connected carers or family, and specialist care, and where there is a plan to support children Going Home (reunification).

The role

As team leader, you’ll lead and support a pod of social workers, focusing on staff development through mentoring and reflective supervision.

You’ll manage performance, data, and absence, while promoting creative, solution-focused approaches to meeting individual needs. The role involves ensuring children and young people are actively involved in their care plans, supporting the going home pathway, and monitoring plans for permanence and transitions to adulthood.

You’ll also act as duty manager on a rota, chair meetings, quality assure assessments, and represent the building your futures service in working groups. Covering the children seeking safety and asylum team may be required when needed.

The ideal candidate will hold a diploma or degree in social work, be registered with Social Work England, and have substantial post-qualifying experience, particularly in children and families social work.

They will be passionate about supporting young people, demonstrate curiosity and creativity, and work collaboratively with stakeholders. Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills are essential, along with experience in staff supervision and development.

The candidate should be confident in problem-solving, managing competing demands, and contributing to service improvement. A solid understanding of relevant legislation and guidance, including for care-experienced and asylum-seeking children, is required, alongside a commitment to continuous professional development and team support.

Find out more

Current Vacancies

Social worker (Family support and safeguarding teams)

Full time, permanent (Part-time hours considered)

Salary: Social worker - Band 9, £39,151 to £42,838 per annum. Experienced social worker - Band 10, £42,838 to £47,181 per annum. Plus, a recruitment and retention package of £3,000 paid monthly

Closing Date: 31/12/2025

Market supplement
payment available

Relocation support
payment available

We are pleased to offer exciting opportunities for qualified social workers to join our Children and Families Directorate, working within one of our Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS) teams at Portsmouth City Council. Portsmouth City Council has been recognised by Ofsted as a “Good” Local Authority, with “Outstanding” ratings for our Family Safeguarding and Support Teams.

As a social worker in our Family Support and Safeguarding teams, you will support children in need, those requiring protection, and children in care. You may also work with families under the Public Law Outline (PLO) or within care proceedings. Throughout, you will be supported by experienced managers and colleagues.

We are committed to your professional development. You will receive training in restorative practice and motivational interviewing during your first year, and benefit from our Stronger Futures Academy and a comprehensive CPD pathway aligned with Social Work England standards.

Find out more

Foster carers

Details

Full or part time
Competitive allowances, skills fees and tax benefits

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!!

Find out more