Social Worker – Children in Care Team
Portsmouth 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
📞 (phone number removed)