As an Assistant Team Manager in our Family Connections Service, you’ll play a key role in helping children remain safely within their family networks and thrive outside of the care system. Working closely with your Team Manager, you’ll support high‑quality practice across the service – providing professional oversight, case consultations, reflective supervision and guidance to colleagues completing assessments and support plans under Fostering and Special Guardianship regulations. Your contribution will help ensure children grow up in stable, familiar environments where they have the best chance to flourish.
Our specialist service plays a vital part in permanency planning and safeguarding. With over 900 children supported under Special Guardianship Orders and around 200 kinship carers in assessment, this is a dynamic and evolving area of practice where your skills, insight and support to others will make a meaningful difference.
What you’ll do
* Provide practice oversight, case consultations and quality assurance for assessments, support plans and Adoption Support Fund applications.
* Support staff through reflective supervision and day‑to‑day guidance.
* Assist less experienced colleagues with complex assessments and decision‑making.
* Work collaboratively with children’s teams, the Fostering Service and legal representatives.
* Help develop new processes and contribute to service improvements as the Family Connections Service continues to grow.
* Represent the Team Manager at meetings and support operational consistency across the team.
What we’re looking for
* Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and the legislative frameworks underpinning fostering, Special Guardianship and Children in Care.
* Confidence supporting and guiding colleagues in their practice, with the ability to contribute to reflective supervision and professional development.
* High‑quality analytical assessment and report‑writing skills, enabling sound, evidence‑based decisions.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with carers.
* A proactive, organised approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Why join us
* Be part of an Outstanding local authority fostering service, making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
* Develop your leadership skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
* Help shape the future of fostering in Hampshire through innovation and collaboration.
* Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
* Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.
Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Other job titles you may be searching for: Deputy Team Manager, Senior Social Worker, Fostering Team Leader, Social Work Supervisor, Assistant Manager – Children’s Services, Senior Practitioner.
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