At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through the adoption process while managing a small caseload.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives and lead practice development in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with at least 3 years of experience in adoption legislation.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for leadership development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We work closely with families, foster carers, and Adopt South (Regional Adoption Agency) to ensure children achieve permanence through adoption. Our team supports children and families sensitively throughout the process, from parallel planning to adoption orders.
As an Advanced Social Worker, you will:
- Manage a small caseload of children subject to parallel planning and Placement Orders.
- Provide expert advice on adoption regulations and processes.
- Attend family-finding meetings and support matching decisions using trauma-informed practice.
- Quality assure Child Permanence Reports and mentor less experienced staff.
- Deliver reflective supervision and act as a practice educator for students.
- Lead practice development and promote a learning culture across the Directorate.
- Chair professional meetings and support the Team Leader.
The ideal candidate will need to have/be:
- A qualified social worker and be registered with Social Work England.
- Minimum 3 years post-qualifying experience.
- Strong understanding of adoption legislation and trauma-informed practice.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development, including leadership programmes.
- Ability to mentor, supervise, and lead practice development.
Hybrid working arrangements: Minimum 2 days in office per week - Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, working family events including occasional evening and weekends.
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Advanced Social Worker in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Social Worker in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know someone at Portsmouth City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on adoption legislation and trauma-informed practices. We recommend having specific examples ready that showcase your experience and how you’ve made a difference in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your personal statement! Make sure it highlights how your skills and experiences align with the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Social Worker in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read the full job profile carefully. Pay special attention to the 'Who is the Person' section, as this will guide you in crafting your personal statement.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Be specific and provide examples that showcase your skills and qualifications.
Showcase Your Commitment to Development: Highlight any ongoing professional development you've undertaken, especially in leadership or trauma-informed practice. This shows us that you're serious about growing in your role and contributing to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on adoption legislation and trauma-informed practice. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage caseloads, mentor others, and lead practice development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the team dynamics. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Reflective Practice is Key
Be ready to discuss how you approach reflective supervision and mentoring. Highlight any experiences where you’ve supported less experienced staff or contributed to a learning culture, as this is crucial for the Advanced Social Worker role.