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Social Worker – Children’s Services (Higher Grade)

Location: Portsmouth City Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

Portsmouth City Council is seeking an experienced and confident Social Worker (Higher Grade) to join our Children’s Services team on a 3-month interim contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled practitioner to contribute to high-quality, child-centred social work that supports and safeguards children, young people, and their families across Portsmouth.

As a Higher Grade Social Worker, you’ll take on a more complex caseload and play a key role in leading, influencing, and modelling best practice within your team. You will use your expertise to deliver effective interventions, support colleagues, and ensure that children receive timely and appropriate help that promotes their welfare and long-term stability.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake and lead on comprehensive assessments of children and families, ensuring that plans are timely, proportionate, and outcome-focused.
   

• Develop and implement Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans in line with statutory requirements and best practice principles.
   

• Manage complex cases involving significant risk, legal proceedings, or multi-agency involvement.
   

• Provide professional guidance, mentoring, and support to less experienced social workers within the team.
   

• Prepare clear, analytical, and evidence-based reports for case conferences, reviews, and court hearings.
   

• Work collaboratively with families, carers, and partner agencies to deliver coordinated, effective, and family-led interventions.
   

• Ensure that the voice and experience of the child are central to all assessments, plans, and decisions.
   

• Contribute to reflective supervision, team discussions, and service improvement initiatives.
   

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case recordings in accordance with local and national standards.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Substantial post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including safeguarding, court work, and complex case management.
   

• Strong understanding of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice approaches.
   

• Proven ability to lead, influence, and mentor others in a social work setting.
   

• Excellent communication, assessment, and analytical skills.
   

• Commitment to relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice.
   

• Ability to work flexibly and effectively in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Portsmouth City Council, a local authority that values its social workers and is committed to delivering excellent services for children and families. You’ll work within a supportive and reflective team environment where professional development, collaboration, and high-quality practice are central to everything we do.

As a Higher Grade Social Worker, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your expertise, shape good practice, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people across the city.

Interested? Apply now to join Portsmouth City Council’s Children’s Services as a Higher Grade Social Worker and play a key role in supporting children and families to achieve safety, stability, and brighter futures.