Social Worker - Children in Care

Social Worker – Children in Care TeamPortsmouth City Council

• £42 per hour competitive rate
• Children in Care / Looked After Children statutory team
• Stable long-term contract within a supportive service
• Strong management oversight and regular reflective supervision
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s permanence journeys

Are you an experienced Social Worker passionate about improving outcomes for children in care? Portsmouth City Council is looking for a committed practitioner to join its Children in Care Team, where you will play a key role in supporting looked after children to achieve stability, permanence, and positive futures.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-structured authority that values relationship-based practice, strong management support, and child-centred decision-making. Paying £42 per hour, this contract offers both a highly competitive rate and the chance to work in a service focused on long-term outcomes for children and young people.

About the Local Authority

Portsmouth is recognised for its child-focused approach, manageable team structures, and commitment to achieving permanence for children in care. The service places strong emphasis on direct work with children, meaningful care planning, and robust multi-agency partnerships. You will join a team where managers are visible, supervision is consistent, and practitioners are empowered to deliver high-quality interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload of looked after children and young people subject to care plans.
• Complete statutory visits, care planning, pathway planning, and looked after child reviews.
• Progress care proceedings, permanence planning, fostering, adoption, SGOs, and reunification pathways where appropriate.
• Work closely with foster carers, residential placements, schools, health, and partner agencies.
• Prepare clear and analytical court statements, care plans, CPRs, and review reports.
• Promote education, emotional wellbeing, placement stability, and positive identity outcomes.
• Undertake direct work with children to ensure their voice remains central to planning.
• Support young people transitioning toward leaving care and independence pathways.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Previous experience in a Children in Care / Looked After Children Team.
• Strong knowledge of care proceedings, permanence planning, and safeguarding legislation.
• Confident in court work, report writing, and multi-agency collaboration.
• Passionate about relationship-based practice and improving long-term outcomes.

Why Work With Us?

• £42 per hour premium pay rate.
• Supportive and experienced management team.
• Strong agency presence with stable contracts.
• Opportunity to work in a child-centred authority with clear permanency focus.
• Excellent transport links and flexible working arrangements.
• Referral bonus available for successful recommendations.

Contact

Josh Dhumisani
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