This is a perfect opportunity to join a friendly and stable team, dedicated to supporting our children in care. Be part of our mission to create positive outcomes and brighter futures.
The Opportunity:
Our Children in Care Team is passionate about providing quality services to children in care and their families, carers, placement and networks. We implement a strength-based model, working with children to promote their wellbeing and relationships with their families, to achieve the best possible outcome.
Challenging but rewarding, you'll thrive in this role if you are an experienced social worker who is adept at looking after a complex caseload of children who are care experienced.
This involves holistic social work assessments to identify risk and need and working with multi-agency networks to develop and review plans that address and mitigate concerns in a timely manner. You will also liaise with health and education professionals to develop support packages to support children with complex needs.
As a team we offer peer support, reflective supervision, mentoring opportunities, and creativity in keeping in touch and supporting each other.
About You:
- Social Work qualification is essential and prior experience of working with children within care is desirable.
- Your practical skills as a Social Worker will be supported by a working knowledge of the legislation that governs work with Children, including the Children's Act 1989 as amended, the Children's Act 2002, the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014.
- Your expertise should span the range of statutory provisions, but particularly you would ideally have experience of working with Children in Care and those where Care Proceedings have been initiated.
- You will be comfortable engaging with a variety of stakeholders and be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- It is essential that you understand and can navigate multi-agency systems and processes effectively.
Please note:
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Travel Requirements:
You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.
What we can offer you:
You will be part of a strong, safe, and supportive team environment, where your contributions are valued and recognised. In addition to an incredibly competitive salary and benefits, we offer extensive training and development opportunities - with 5 CPD days - to enhance your skills and further your career.
Other benefits you will enjoy include:
- PA support: to provide crucial back-office support to free up your time to focus on professional practice.
- A thorough and supportive induction: to enable you to feel confident and knowledgeable in your role.
- Nine-day fortnight: We will provide you with a nine-day fortnight working schedule.
- Flexible working: As part of our ongoing investment into transforming our social care practice, all of our practitioners are given mobile phones and hybrid devices, affording them the functionality to work flexibly and remotely, with a choice of office locations.
- Help with relocation: We offer help with relocation of up to £8,500, for qualified social workers who are moving to Hampshire, to help them settle into their new area and new role as quickly and smoothly as possible.
- Family friendly policies: We offer a full range of family-friendly policies. These include generous maternity, paternity, and adoption entitlements.
- Health and wellbeing: We provide an array of services, networks, and training to support your health and wellbeing as an employee of Hampshire County Council.
- Staff discounts: You will have access to a range of discounts on goods and services. These include holidays, insurance, loans, health and fitness, broadband TV and phone, food, and drink, and much more.
- Annual leave: We offer a generous annual leave entitlement in addition to Bank Holidays. At this grade, you will receive a minimum of 25 days per annum (pro rata) rising to a maximum of 28 days (pro rata) after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays.
- Travel support and discounts: You are able to access a range of travel discounts such as 10% discount on MOTs, a range of cycling discounts with selected retailers and 0% interest loans.
- Local government pension: All Hampshire County Council employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
At Hampshire, it is not just about a job; it is about having the support to excel in a nurturing, empowering, and rewarding environment where you can thrive and make a lasting impact on children's lives. So, if you are ready to be part of a transformative journey this is just what you have been waiting for.