Social Worker – Children in Care
Social Worker – Children in Care

Social Worker – Children in Care

Portsmouth Full-Time 33600 - 50400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children in care by creating and managing care plans for their wellbeing.
  • Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation dedicated to making a difference.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, strong leadership, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and child-centred environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with at least 3 years' experience in child care.
  • Other info: Initial contract of 3-6 months with potential for extension.

The predicted salary is between 33600 - 50400 £ per year.

Social Worker – Children in Care Team Location: Portsmouth City Council Rate: Up to £42 per hour Contract: Full-time Locum (Initial 3–6 months, with likely extension) Contact: Fred Thomas at Sheldon Phillips 📞 | 📧 The Opportunity Sheldon Phillips is working with Portsmouth City Council to recruit an experienced Social Worker for the Children in Care Team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly, well-supported, and child-centred service in a vibrant waterfront city with a strong sense of community. You will work directly with looked after children and young people to design and deliver care plans that promote stability, emotional wellbeing, and the best possible life outcomes. Portsmouth City Council takes a relationship-based, trauma-informed approach to practice, enabling social workers to build trust and make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Key Duties Manage a caseload of children in care Complete statutory visits, care planning, and reviews Build strong, consistent relationships with children and carers Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide wraparound support Prepare clear, evidence-based reports for court and represent the service in proceedings About You Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualified experience with looked after children Strong knowledge of care planning, safeguarding, and permanency processes Confident working in a hybrid model (office and remote) Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle Why Portsmouth? Portsmouth City Council offers flexible hybrid working, a supportive team culture, and manageable caseloads. You’ll benefit from strong leadership, reflective supervision, and ongoing professional development — all within an authority that truly values the voice of the child. Apply Now For more information or to apply, contact Fred Thomas at Sheldon Phillips

Social Worker – Children in Care employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd

Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and child-centred work environment for Social Workers in the Children in Care Team. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, manageable caseloads, and a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. The vibrant community of Portsmouth further enhances the experience, making it a rewarding place to work.
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Contact Detail:

Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Children in Care

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's values and approach to social work. Understanding their relationship-based, trauma-informed practice will help you align your experience and demonstrate how you can contribute to their child-centred service.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the Children in Care Team. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which you can leverage during your discussions with Fred Thomas.

Tip Number 3

Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage caseloads effectively and build strong relationships with children and carers. This will help you illustrate your skills in a practical context during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends and legislation related to looked after children. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and your readiness to tackle the challenges in this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker – Children in Care

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualified experience with looked after children
Strong knowledge of care planning and safeguarding processes
Experience in permanency planning
Ability to manage a caseload effectively
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Report writing and documentation skills
Ability to build strong relationships with children and carers
Collaborative working with partner agencies
Understanding of trauma-informed practice
Flexibility to work in a hybrid model (office and remote)
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Strong organisational skills
Empathy and understanding of children's needs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position within the Children in Care Team. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly your work with looked after children. Emphasise your qualifications, post-qualified experience, and any specific skills that align with the role's requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your understanding of trauma-informed practices. Mention how your experience aligns with the values of Portsmouth City Council and your commitment to improving children's lives.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of care planning, safeguarding, and permanency processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Children in Care Team.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past experience working with looked after children. Highlight how you've managed caseloads, built relationships, and collaborated with partner agencies. This will demonstrate your practical skills and ability to make a meaningful difference.

Emphasise Relationship-Building

Since the role focuses on building strong, consistent relationships with children and carers, be ready to discuss your approach to relationship-based practice. Share how you establish trust and rapport, and why this is crucial in social work.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, support systems, and professional development opportunities at Portsmouth City Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Social Worker – Children in Care
Sheldon Phillips Ltd

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