Advanced social worker (specialism anti-racist practice)
The service
The Children, Families and Education Service provide social work/care support and intervention with children, young people and their parents/carers. We are committed to being on an active anti-racist journey. In 2024 we signed up to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES). The WRES programme aims to progress workforce race equality in adult and children's social care and empower local authorities to address any gaps or concerns of inequality in their workforce.
The role
You will take professional responsibility for managing a complex caseload, using assessment procedures discerningly in response to the presenting needs and to ensure that a proportionate assessment is completed in a way that enables maximum participation. You will use professional judgement, employing a range of interventions and taking the lead in managing positive intervention. You will play a leading role in practice development, helping promote and sustain a learning culture and mentoring less experienced staff. You will deliver formal professional reflective supervision, provide guidance and advice to less experienced qualified staff, and share and present professional knowledge and expertise to colleagues.
Social worker / Experienced social worker
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:
You will support the most vulnerable children in our service, including care planning, undertaking direct and life story work, promoting positive outcomes and ensuring children and young people have permanence plans, which may include being part of the going home pathway.
You will ensure that children and families who experience our service receive a quality service that is responsive to the wishes and feelings of children. You be supported to be creative and solution-focused in responding to children's individual needs and to involve children and young people in all aspects of their care plans and the services we provide to meet their needs.
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!