At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team supporting vulnerable children seeking safety and asylum.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market supplement, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a commitment to inclusivity 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 52412 - 56759 € 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.
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.
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).
- 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.
You will be required to work a minimum of 3 days in the office per week.
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Vicky Laybourne - vicky.laybourne@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Interviews will be held week commencing 22nd June 2026.
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, this statement is crucial and is 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. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
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. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children seeking safety and asylum. As a Team Leader, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, ongoing professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Located in the Civic Offices of Portsmouth, you will be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, integrity, and respect, ensuring a rewarding career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care sector, especially those who work with children seeking safety and asylum. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the latest trends and challenges in social care. Be ready to discuss how you can lead a team effectively and advocate for vulnerable children. Show them you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and working with diverse communities. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and commitment to the role.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read the full job profile. It’s crucial to understand what they’re looking for, especially 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 showcase how your experience aligns with the role. Be specific and provide examples that demonstrate your skills and passion for working with children seeking safety and asylum.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work with children and families, especially in social care. Mention any leadership roles or supervision experience, as these are key for the Team Leader position we’re offering.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding 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 to safeguarding and advocacy during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and supervising teams. Think about times when you've motivated your team or handled challenging situations effectively. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to guide a team of Social Workers.
✨Be Person-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your passion for achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Share specific instances where you've made a difference in someone's life, showcasing your compassion and cultural sensitivity.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their approach to continuous service improvement or how they support staff development. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation's values.
