At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team supporting vulnerable children seeking safety and asylum.
- Company: Join a dedicated team committed to exceptional care for children in need.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience in Children and Families Social Work required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Team Leader to guide and support our team in delivering exceptional care to children seeking safety and asylum. This is a leadership role that requires a strong commitment to safeguarding, advocacy, and cultural sensitivity.
About the Service
The Child Safety and Asylum Team is a small, dedicated team committed to providing exceptional care and support to children who have arrived in the UK seeking safety and asylum. We believe it is a profound privilege to care for these children in the absence of their parents, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards in doing so.
About the Role
As Team Leader, you will oversee a team of Social Workers supporting children and young people from the moment they arrive in Portsmouth. You will lead on all aspects of their journey, recognising the trauma and loss they may have experienced, and ensuring comprehensive assessments of their needs — including age assessments where appropriate. You will also support their navigation through the immigration system, advocating for their future with ambition and care. You will work closely with and at times support the children we care for team, Building Your Futures. You will work alongside and in partnership with our care experienced young adult team, Supporting Your Futures, as well as external partners such as the Home Office, care providers, and health services. Your ability to build strong partnerships, delegate effectively, and motivate your team will be key to your success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise a team of Social Workers supporting vulnerable children.
- Ensure compliance with statutory guidance, local policies, and procedures.
- Oversee staff development, performance management, quality assurance, and budget responsibilities.
- Promote a restorative approach to practice and continuous service improvement.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of legislation and processes relating to Unaccompanied Asylum‑Seeking Children (UASC).
The ideal candidate
- Holds a Diploma/Degree/MSc in Social Work and is registered with Social Work England.
- Has substantial post‑qualification experience in Children and Families Social Work.
- Possesses a strong understanding of relevant law, theory, and statutory guidance.
- Is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Demonstrates creativity, curiosity, and a solution‑focused approach.
- Works effectively with children, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Has experience in staff or student supervision, with the ability to support and challenge appropriately.
- Is confident in problem‑solving and managing tasks within agreed timescales.
- Contributes to workforce development and supports capability and disciplinary processes as needed.
Working Arrangements
You will be required to work a minimum of 3 days in the office per week.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Vicky Laybourne.
Application process
We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity, and inclusion – Careers portal. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people‑focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Safeguarding
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. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years – this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Locations
Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. With a strong commitment to employee development, our team leaders benefit from ongoing training and opportunities for professional growth, all while working in a collaborative atmosphere that values respect, integrity, and cultural sensitivity. Located in Portsmouth, you will be part of a small, dedicated team that not only advocates for children's rights but also promotes a restorative approach to practice, ensuring that every child receives the care and support they deserve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with children seeking safety and asylum. They might know about openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just passionate about the role but also aligned with our mission to support vulnerable children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around safeguarding and advocacy. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your personal statement, let your passion for supporting children seeking safety and asylum shine through. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you've made a positive impact in similar roles.
Be Specific and Relevant:Make sure to address each point in the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile. Tailor your examples to highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities of the Team Leader role.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While it's important to provide detailed examples, remember to keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your application is easy to read – we want to understand your journey without getting lost in the details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. This way, you can ensure all your information is submitted correctly and you’ll be kept in the loop about your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the legislation and processes related to Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children. Brush up on relevant laws and statutory guidance, as this will show your commitment and expertise in safeguarding and advocacy.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share specific examples that highlight your compassion and dedication to supporting vulnerable children. Talk about your experiences in social work and how you've made a positive impact on children's lives, especially those who have faced trauma.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and support your team. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed staff development, and be ready to explain how you handle challenges and promote a restorative approach.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity. During the interview, reflect these values in your answers and demonstrate how you embody them in your work, especially when working with children and external partners.
