Team leader - Family Support and Safeguarding (Central Locality)
The service
Children's Social Care provides social work interventions to children in need; this includes those children subject to child in need or protection plans and children looked after, and the service also supports care leavers and children with disabilities. We offer a range of options for children who need placements outside their families, including fostering and residential care alongside adoption, special guardianship and kinship arrangements.
The role
You will join a team of team leaders based in the Family Support and Safeguarding Central 1 Locality, supporting social workers at ASYE, main and higher grade level. You will supervise a team of social workers supporting vulnerable children open to the department, subject to child in need or protection plans and looked after children.
You will ensure all team requirements are met regarding staff development, performance management, compliance with statutory guidance and local policies and procedures, quality assurance and budget management. You will embed a restorative approach to practice and drive forward our improvement goals.
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 (FSS) 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.
Newly qualified social worker (ASYE programme)
Our 12-month ASYE programme provides 'on the job' training to help you understand and unpick the work you are completing. In addition, we offer monthly half day study days, funding to purchase your own resources*, on-site assessors and peer led action learning sets. You will be based in our family safeguarding teams working with children in need or child protection and court, or the building your future's team, for children we care for. After you have completed your ASYE programme, we will continue to support your social work career in Portsmouth through a dedicated post-ASYE development pathway. * via the ASYE Co-ordinator
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!