Social Worker - Jigsaw

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants. Get AI‑powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

We have 2 vacancies available in our team – 1 full‑time and 1 part‑time (30 hours per week). In June 2023, Children Services in Southampton were rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ leadership by Ofsted. There is an exciting opportunity for two experienced Social Workers to join the Jigsaw Team (Children with Disabilities) here in Southampton.

Following the recent inspection, Ofsted said, ‘Social Workers supporting disabled children understand their needs and speak about them with warmth and enthusiasm and use eclectic and imaginative ways to engage with children well’.

Never has there been a better time to join a local authority and service that is good across all areas, with a clear focus on building trusting, transparent relationships from a strengths‑based approach, which continues to improve.

We absolutely know social work is challenging. It requires stamina, resilience, and determination. But it is a career that enriches and transforms the lives of children and families. Children and young people tell us that they want social workers who listen to and hear them, have fun with them, follow through on what they say, and provide them with opportunities that will enrich their lives.

We are building a strong social work environment where social workers and managers feel safe and are supported to develop enduring relationships with children and families and share their views about the environment in which they work. Ofsted said ‘Staff across children’s services liked working in Southampton. They value the fact that they are listened to, and they enjoy the easy access they have to senior leaders. They told inspectors about the way in which leaders celebrate their achievements, as well as holding them to account’.

Being part of the Southampton City Council team requires people who are willing to take personal responsibility for delivering excellence, to work with others to achieve the best possible outcomes, to embrace change and new opportunities, to make the most of the resources available to us and to think and act in the best interests of our customers – the residents of Southampton.

We want all children and young people in Southampton to have a good start in life, so that they can fulfil their potential and become successful adults engaged in their local communities. The council, health services and other partners are committed to working jointly to ensure that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), their families and carers receive the support they need, when they need it, so that they can achieve and inspire in all aspects of their lives.

We are currently seeking a Social Worker (Grade 9) to work within the Jigsaw Team (Children with Disabilities Team) in Southampton. This is an aligned service (Social Care, Health and Education, including Paediatric Occupational Therapy) which provides coordinated assessment, holistic care planning and therapeutic intervention for children and young people with multiple and complex disabilities and additional needs including preparation for adulthood.

The benefits of working within Jigsaw include the opportunity for a varied caseload that includes working with children on Child in Need Plan, Children Looked after and Children subject to Child Protection Plans. Our children may have significant barriers to communication, and it is critical our social workers find ways to ensure their voices are heard. You will need to be curious and build relationships that mean you are able to interpret children’s behaviour and responses, to be assured they experience the same level of protection as non‑disabled children.

Please note you will need to have experience of frontline social work practice and/or experience in addition as unqualified social work in another role, all of which may be transferable skills. You will need to be a registered Social Worker with Social Work England and have a Social Work qualification (Degree or Diploma).

The post is for 30 hours per week to be worked from Tuesday to Friday.

What We Can Offer You

Salary: The salary band for this role is £41,771 – £46,141. The starting salary is £41,771 with annual progression through the salary bands.

• Excellent death‑in‑service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role‑dependent)
• Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits – low‑emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit the Southampton City Council benefits platform.

Please note: We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.

Contact Details

Tel: 023 8083 4033

Interview Information

Interviews are scheduled for 7th November 2025.

Follow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news.