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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team supporting children at risk of exploitation and trafficking.
- Company: Join an outstanding local authority recognised for exceptional children's services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Access to wellbeing support and relocation assistance for experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with significant experience in Children & Families services.
The predicted salary is between 40643 - 45077 £ per year.
Job Reference: HCC624045
Salary Range: £40,643 - £45,077 per annum, plus a Market Supplement of £8,350 per annum
Work Location: Havant Plaza, Havant (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 18 May 2026
The Role: Join us as a Social Work Assistant Manager working in the Willow Team, where you’ll play a vital role in supporting children to achieve positive and lasting change. You’ll help lead our multi‑agency specialist child exploitation team that operates across Hampshire working directly with children identified at risk of one or more elements of Missing, Exploitation and Trafficking (MET). You’ll work closely with partner agencies such as health, police and the youth justice service to target and reduce risks in the local community. We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services. We’re looking for experienced and qualified Social Workers ready to step into a leadership role and help shape our ambitious, child‑focused practice.
What you’ll do:
- Support the Team Manager in leading a busy and dynamic child exploitation team
- Provide guidance, oversight, and professional support to frontline social workers
- Help develop and deliver high‑quality services that improve outcomes for children and families
- Make timely, well‑balanced decisions in a demanding environment
- Support the team with complex cases and risk‑based decision‑making
- Contribute to service development and promote high professional standards across the team
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- Significant UK‑based frontline statutory social work experience, including senior‑level practice within Children & Families services
- Proven ability to successfully lead, mentor and support other professionals within multi‑disciplinary teams
- Strong knowledge and experience of complex children and family work, including child exploitation
- Excellent assessment and supervision skills
- Confident in making key safeguarding decisions to ensure children are safe and protected at all times
- Proven track record in service development and innovation
Benefits:
- Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice
- Flexible working: Including a 9‑day fortnight and hybrid options to support work‑life balance
- Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative
- Back‑office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work
- Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK‑based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval)
- Wellbeing support: 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: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
Travel Requirements: You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis. The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Social Work Assistant Manager in Havant employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant Manager in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to child exploitation and safeguarding. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight times when you've mentored others or led a team. This will demonstrate that you're ready to step into the Assistant Manager role with ease.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our outstanding team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant Manager in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to support children and families.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Social Work Assistant Manager, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully mentored others in the past. We love seeing examples of teamwork and collaboration!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Social Work Assistant Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of child exploitation, safeguarding practices, and multi-agency collaboration. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or mentored others. Highlight how you’ve supported frontline social workers and contributed to service development. This will demonstrate your capability to take on a leadership role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills in complex situations. Think about how you would handle specific cases involving child exploitation or safeguarding concerns, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in their child-focused practice. This shows you’re genuinely invested in the position.