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, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed to respect, integrity, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Diploma/Degree/MSc in Social Work and experience in Children and Families Social Work.
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.
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.
Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum - 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 social care. As a Team Leader in the Child Safety and Asylum Team, you will benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a collaborative culture that prioritises the welfare of vulnerable children, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people seeking safety. Located in the heart of Portsmouth, our Civic Offices provide a vibrant setting where your leadership can thrive, backed by a commitment to safeguarding and advocacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social care, especially those who work with children and families. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview 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 experience that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum - 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. 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 Compelling 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 qualifications and any relevant work or personal experiences. Make sure to connect your background to the key responsibilities of the Team Leader role, showing how you can lead and support a team effectively.
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 process smoother for both you and us!
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 Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and support vulnerable children. Highlight your experience in staff supervision and how you've contributed to positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role requires strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with colleagues, external partners, and families in previous roles. Show that you can motivate and delegate within a team setting.
✨Be Person-Centred
Demonstrate your passion for working with children and young people by sharing stories that reflect your compassion and cultural sensitivity. This will resonate well with the values of the organisation and highlight your suitability for the role.
