Social Worker (Children in Care)


Company:	Hampshire County Council
Salary:	£40,643 - £45,077
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Havant, PO9 2AX
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 4 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	31 Jul 2026
Closing date:	16 Aug 2026

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Summary

As a Social Worker in our Children in Care Team, you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of care-experienced children. You’ll lead on assessments, care planning, and interventions to ensure every child’s voice is heard. Working creatively and confidently with multi-agency partners, you’ll deliver holistic, child-centred support that makes a real difference.

Managing a varied and complex caseload, you’ll build strong, trusting relationships that enable positive change and help achieve the best possible outcomes for children. You’ll join a friendly, stable, and supportive team that shares a passion for creating brighter futures. Our strength-based approach focuses on promoting wellbeing and maintaining family connections wherever possible.

What you’ll do:

Carry out comprehensive assessments to understand each child’s needs and circumstances.

Develop and review care plans that reflect the child’s needs and wishes.

Take timely safeguarding action and monitor risks throughout the child’s journey.

Engage in direct work with children to support their emotional and social development.

Work towards achieving stable and permanent placements for children.

Collaborate effectively with multi-agency partners and advocate for the child’s rights.

Travel across the country as required to meet in person with children in care.

What we’re looking for:

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).

Solid understanding of key UK legislation governing work with children.

Experience supporting children and families within statutory frameworks, ideally including children in care and those involved in care proceedings.

Ability to assess needs, identify risks, and develop effective, outcome-focused plans.

Strong report-writing skills with attention to detail.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, confident in multi-agency working.

Why join us?

Join a supportive team that values collaboration and professional development.

Flexible working options, including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid working.

Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.

Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Senior Case Manager, Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Children’s Services Practitioner, Senior Safeguarding Social Worker.

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