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- Tasks: Support children and families through compassionate social work, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, a supportive unitary authority dedicated to child-friendly services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to wellness activities like yoga and choir.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team striving for excellence in children's services and community impact.
- Qualifications: Must have a Diploma or Degree in social work and be registered with Social Work England.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a vibrant, diverse work environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 44000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Social Worker role at Southampton City Council. Children’s Services Senior Social Worker £45,718 - £49,764 (Plus Market Supplement) 1 x Permanent Contract, 1 x Fixed Term Contract / Secondment to 31/03/2026.
Here in Southampton City Council Children and Learning Service we are proud to be compassionate and kind, to each other and to the families we are here to help. We are constantly learning, flexing and growing. The energy in the service to be better and do better on behalf of children, young people, families and our diverse communities is invigorating and inspiring.
Following the promotion of the previous post-holders, we need 2 Senior Social Workers to support the Team Manager and Team on the improvement journey and as we continue to embrace the national social care reforms.
Relational Practice, systemic pathways
Relationships are everything. Permanence matters. This is why we have established an almost fully permanent workforce, and we are building systemic, reflective practice and leadership right across the service. We celebrate relational practice and we are investing in motivational interviewing. Children, young people and families feel and know that they are held in mind. We are here to ensure they are safe and loved, and that we understand what they have been through.
Partnerships matter immeasurably. So, we are building these relationships creatively, with co-located domestic abuse workers in our family help and family safeguarding teams, and substance use workers and mental health practitioners alongside social workers supporting families where children have suffered harm. We are learning so much from each other and this is good for families.
The time and space to do your best work
A tight focus on caseloads and permanent skilled team managers enables our social workers to practice at their best. We care about our children and we will care about you. We offer strong developmental opportunities for social workers, who thrive on helping children be the best they can be. We have career development routes through to management roles via ATM.
If you join us we will help you to build meaningful and influential relationships with children, families and partners. We hope this is why you came into social work! You will have a voice in a service that is hungry to learn from your experiences.
An aspirational service
We know we are not perfect, and we always strive to do better for children. But, we are proud of our achievements. In June 2023, Ofsted found that we were, ‘Good’ overall with ‘Outstanding’ leadership. We are working hard to be consistently good while always aiming higher.
In Southampton we are strongly invested in development of our workforce family. Our career development and talent management pathways will enable you to be part of our future. Our practitioners and managers feel equipped to do what can be a really tough job through genuine support and meaningful challenge. Our excellent practice development team has huge energy for providing a vibrant learning offer.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Social Worker with proven experience of statutory social work with children, including Child in Need, Child Protection and Child in the care of the Local Authority. We are looking for a practitioner who is reflective and assured in their own practice, and who has significant experience of complex statutory social work with children. You will be able to support families in a way that is trauma informed, compassionate, and built on a strong grounding in national good practice, legislation and evidence-based approaches.
You will believe in the strength of families to care for their own children with our help, and in children's right to family life. You will understand the need for safety and permanence and you will be confident in achieving this for children. You will nurture and develop meaningful relationships with your colleagues, families and partners. You will enjoy working in an ethnically diverse work environment and a vibrant, diverse local community. You will be culturally competent, inclusive, respectful and kind, with a strong commitment to anti-racist practice. You will have a Diploma or Degree in social work and be registered with Social Work England.
Rewards
As Ofsted has stated in our inspection in June 2023 where we were judged 'Good', ‘Practitioners are supported by energetic and responsive frontline managers who maintain clear, confident and close oversight of children’s progress’. You will be provided with regular good quality 1-1 case and personal supervision that align to our systemic practice framework. Laptop and Smart phones, and other equipment to enable office-based, flexible and remote working. Robust induction period and personal development plan that meets your training and development needs. You will have membership to Research in Practice as well as access to a comprehensive internal resource library. We are increasingly embracing tried and tested AI tools for social workers, reducing admin time. Flexible working arrangements are available such as 9-day fortnight. Paid leave (up to 34 days excluding bank holidays dependent on length of service) Discounted rail fares, paid parking and access to the Council's bicycle loan scheme. Generous lease car scheme with salary sacrifice, particular for electric cars. More than one car can be leased via individual agreement. Opportunities to engage in work-based activities well-being such as yoga and choir. Monthly employment awards and recognition schemes.
Our Location:
You will be based within Southampton city centre in the Civic Centre, a historical building within easy reach of a range of colleagues also based in the building. Flexible/remote/home working is available.
Our Organisation
Southampton City Council is a unitary authority, you will have access to a permanent, visible, responsive senior leadership team which is supportive at all management levels. We are committed to the development of all our staff, whilst working in a highly supportive and highly challenging culture. All of which is at the ethos of our ambition to become a child friendly city.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below. A generous local government pension scheme. Flexible working (role dependant). Up to 13 days of Flexi Leave. Hybrid working arrangements (role dependant). 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays. Online Benefits – salary sacrifice schemes, benefits and discounts. Great local transport links. Employee assistance programme with access to our health wellbeing and support.
Contact Details For Informal Discussion
For further information regarding the position please contact Julie Sayce, Team Manager.
Interview Information
Please note that interviews are scheduled for 14th and 15th July 2025.
Senior Social Worker employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key values and practices of Southampton City Council, especially their focus on relational practice and trauma-informed care. This will help you align your discussions during interviews with their mission and demonstrate your commitment to their approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Southampton City Council, particularly those in Children's Services. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for tailoring your approach in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to handle complex statutory social work cases. Highlight your skills in building meaningful relationships with families and partners, as this is a crucial aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on national social care reforms and best practices in social work. Being knowledgeable about current trends and legislation will not only impress during interviews but also show your dedication to continuous learning and improvement in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Social Worker position at Southampton City Council. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as experience in statutory social work with children.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your background in relational practice, trauma-informed care, and any specific achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your capability as a Senior Social Worker.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for social work and your commitment to supporting children and families. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate how you embody the values of compassion and kindness that Southampton City Council promotes.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial in the field of social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Relational Practice
Demonstrate your commitment to relational practice by sharing specific examples from your experience. Talk about how you've built meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues, and how this has positively impacted your work.
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Trauma-Informed Approaches
Since the role requires a trauma-informed approach, be ready to discuss your understanding of trauma and how it affects children and families. Share any relevant experiences where you applied these principles in your practice.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Statutory Social Work
Make sure to highlight your proven experience in statutory social work, particularly with Child in Need, Child Protection, and children in care. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or situations that showcase your skills and knowledge in these areas.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Southampton City Council values a culture of learning and development. Share how you stay updated with national good practices, legislation, and evidence-based approaches. Mention any training or professional development you've pursued recently.
