Newly Qualified Social Worker Jobs UK 2026 – Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Opportunity in Portsmouth

Newly Qualified Social Worker Jobs UK 2026 – Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Opportunity

Are you a newly qualified Social Worker looking to start your career in the UK? Portsmouth City Council is offering an opportunity for newly qualified SocialWorkers to join its Children’s Social Care Service and complete the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).

For eligible overseas students who are already living in the UK, Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered as part of the recruitment process. Applicants must have a Social Work qualification recognised by Social Work England and be registered with Social Work England.

Newly Qualified Social Worker Job in Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council is recruiting Newly Qualified Social Workers to begin their professional careers within its Children’s Social Care Service.

The role provides an opportunity to complete the ASYE while working in a supportive environment focused on learning, professional development and effective support for children and families.

The service uses relational, restorative and family safeguarding approaches, supported by a trauma-informed perspective. The role is suited to candidates who are passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and families and developing their professional social work practice.

Job Details

• Job Title: Newly Qualified Social Worker
• Programme: Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
• Employer: Portsmouth City Council
• Service: Children’s Social Care
• Location: Portsmouth, UK
• Salary: Band 8, £37,562–£40,443 per year
• Additional Payment: £2,000 recruitment and retention payment for Band 8 Social Workers undertaking ASYE
• Contract: Permanent
• Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker sponsorship may be considered for eligible overseas students already living in the UK
• Professional Registration: Social Work England registration required
• Driving: Full UK driving licence required
• DBS: Standard/Enhanced DBS required
• Relocation Support: Not available

What Is the ASYE Programme?

The Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) is designed to help newly qualified SocialWorkers transition into professional practice.

At Portsmouth City Council, successful candidates will receive structured support throughout their first year. This includes a comprehensive induction, a dedicated workplace assessor, a protected and gradually increasing workload, formal development reviews and access to learning resources.

The ASYE programme also provides access to specialist training, action learning sessions, wellbeing workshops and reflective group supervision through the Stronger Futures ASYE Academy.

What Does Portsmouth City Council Offer?

Successful candidates can expect:

• A structured ASYE pathway
• A comprehensive two-week induction
• A dedicated workplace assessor
• A protected workload with a progressive increase
• Formal reviews at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months
• Professional development opportunities
• Reflective group supervision
• Action learning opportunities
• Specialist training
• Support with professional identity development
• Opportunities to develop inter-agency networks
• Research in Practice resources
• Development of assessment and report-writing skills
• Employee benefits
• Career development opportunities following completion of the ASYE year

Newly Qualified Social Worker Requirements

Portsmouth City Council is looking for candidates who have completed, or are due to complete, a recognised Social Work qualification.

Applicants should have a:

• BA, MA, BSc, apprenticeship degree in Social Work, or an equivalent qualification recognised by Social Work England
• Commitment to developing their knowledge of social work theory, legislation and best practice
• Understanding of the complex circumstances affecting children and families
• Ability to work collaboratively with families and professional networks
• Good understanding of safeguarding
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to maintain high-quality records and write reports
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Ability to remain calm during challenging situations
• Reflective and caring approach to professional practice
• Ability to analyse information and support effective decision-making

A full UK driving licence is required, as the successful candidate will need to travel between different locations across Portsmouth.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

One of the key features of this opportunity is that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered for overseas students who are already living in the UK.

To be considered for sponsorship, applicants must have a Social Work qualification recognised by Social Work England and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.

Important: Portsmouth City Council states that relocation support is not available and that this sponsorship opportunity is limited to candidates who are already living in the UK.

Therefore, candidates should carefully check their eligibility before applying.

DBS and Safeguarding Requirements

Because the role involves working with children and young people, successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures.

A Standard or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required before an offer of employment can be made.

Informal Enquiries

Candidates who would like to discuss the opportunity before applying can contact Portsmouth City Council’s ASYE team.

Email: ASYE@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Newly Qualified Social Worker Jobs UK 2026 – Key Takeaway

This Newly Qualified SocialWorker job in Portsmouth provides a structured route into children’s social care through the ASYE programme, with professional development, supervision and training available throughout the first year.

For eligible overseas students already living in the UK, Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered, subject to the stated qualification, registration and recruitment requirements.

Candidates should carefully review the official vacancy requirements and ensure they provide a detailed personal statement and complete career and education history when applying.

More UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs: Check our latest UK visa sponsorship vacancies and opportunities.