Advanced Social Worker - Portsmouth in Sussex

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. 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.

We are looking for an Advanced Social Worker to join our Children, Families & Education Service. This is a full time role based in the South Locality Team, Civic Offices, Portsmouth.

The Children, Families & Education Service provide social work/care support and intervention with children, young people and their parents/carers. This includes Children in Need of Support, Protection and Care, including Care Experienced, Children with Disabilities and Young People who offend and/or are at risk of exploitation.

As an Advanced Social Worker, you will play a key role in safeguarding children and supporting families to achieve positive outcomes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Specialist Expertise: Develop a specialist area of practice, such as engaging and assessing parents with learning difficulties and/or disabilities or supporting children and young people to build emotional resilience and coping strategies.
• Complex Case Management: Take professional responsibility for a complex caseload involving children, carers, and families requiring intensive support and guidance.
• Risk Assessment & Decision-Making: Demonstrate confident and effective judgement about risk, accountability, and fluctuating circumstances, including hostile situations.
• Intervention & Safeguarding: Use a range of interventions to promote independence, prevent deterioration, and ensure safety while balancing rights and risks.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Provide reflective supervision and guidance to less experienced social workers. Act as a practice educator for students (training available if required). Chair professional meetings and share expertise across teams and partner agencies.
• Practice Development: Play a leading role in promoting a learning culture and embedding best practice within the team.
• Compliance & Recording: Maintain accurate case records, ensure data protection compliance, and uphold safeguarding policies.

This is a fully office-based role with minimal opportunity for hybrid working.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
• Have substantial experience as an Experienced Social Worker.
• Understand relevant legislation and demonstrate strong safeguarding skills.
• Be committed to continuous professional development.
• Hold a full UK driving licence (or be learning to drive).
• Be passionate about social justice, anti-oppressive practice, and embedding anti-racist practice.

Please ensure that you download and read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement on your application.

Hybrid working arrangements - please ensure you can fulfil this prior to submitting your application. Some working from home depending on the needs of the service, you will be required to work a minimum of 4 days in the office.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Vicky Williams.

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. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

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.

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.