Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker
Portsmouth, Hampshire
Social Worker (Children’s Higher Grade – Children with Disabilities)
Brief Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Children’s Social Worker to join Portsmouth City Council’s Children with Disabilities Team. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced practitioner to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with disabilities, supporting them and their families to achieve positive outcomes and greater independence.
As part of a highly skilled and supportive team, you will deliver high-quality assessments and interventions, advocate for children and families, and work collaboratively across agencies to ensure the best outcomes for those with complex needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake assessments, care planning, and interventions for children and young people with disabilities in line with statutory frameworks.
- Provide support and advocacy for children, young people, and families at Resource Panel Meetings and other multi-agency forums.
- Use non-verbal or alternative communication methods where appropriate to engage effectively with children and families.
- Work closely with education, health, and voluntary sector partners to ensure coordinated, holistic support plans are in place.
- Contribute to Safeguarding and Child Protection work, ensuring all cases are managed in accordance with local and national protocols.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with families and professionals to support inclusive, child-centred practice.
- Promote equality, inclusion, and empowerment for children and young people with disabilities.
- Participate in reflective supervision and team meetings to share knowledge, learning, and good practice.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with statutory requirements and council policies.
- Provide professional advice and consultation to colleagues, ensuring consistent, high-quality standards of practice.
About You
You are a skilled and compassionate Social Worker with a minimum of three years’ post-qualifying experience in Children’s Services, ideally with a focus on Children with Disabilities. You have strong advocacy skills and a commitment to ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and represented.
You will bring experience of working with families in challenging situations, a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures, and a flexible, solution-focused approach. Experience using non-verbal or alternative communication methods will be highly valued.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience within Children’s Services.
- Recent experience of working with children with disabilities and their families.
- Experience of working within a statutory organisation or third sector setting.
- Proven experience of advocating for children and families at multi-agency and resource panel meetings.
- Desirable: experience in non-verbal or alternative communication methods.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection protocols and experience of managing related cases.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage families and professionals effectively.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and maintain high professional standards.
- Commitment to working full-time, with five days per week in the office as standard, and occasional remote work when required.
Contract & Salary
- Job Type: Locum
- Location: Portsmouth City Council
- Service Area: Children’s Services – Children with Disabilities Team
- Contract Length: 3 months (with potential for extension)
- Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
- Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
- Working Pattern: Primarily office-based (5 days per week), with occasional flexibility for home working
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Social Worker with a passion for supporting children with disabilities and their families, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply using the form on the page.