Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker (Children’s)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Children’s Social Worker to join Portsmouth City Council’s Family Support and Safeguarding Service. This is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine impact in the lives of children and families by delivering high-quality assessments and tailored support under Portsmouth’s Family Safeguarding Model of Practice.  

You will be responsible for visiting families identified as needing a Tier 4 response by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), undertaking assessments, and co-producing plans that support positive, sustainable change. Working collaboratively with families and multi-disciplinary colleagues, you will help ensure children are safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of need for families referred by the MASH requiring a Tier 4 safeguarding response.
• Work closely with families to co-produce intervention plans that promote stability and positive outcomes for children.
• Support the safe step-down of families to alternative or long-term services where appropriate.
• Manage a manageable caseload (typically 17–18 children), ensuring timely assessments and interventions.
• Work in partnership with colleagues specialising in recovery, adult mental health, and healthy relationships to provide holistic support to families.
• Engage in multi-agency collaboration to deliver effective, joined-up safeguarding and support services.
• Participate in regular supervision sessions, pod meetings, and morning huddles to review progress, share learning, and maintain wellbeing.
• Build trusting relationships with children and families to ensure their voices are central to decision-making.
• Maintain high standards of recording and documentation in line with professional and organisational expectations.
• Actively contribute to the development of best practice and continuous improvement within the Family Support and Safeguarding Service.

About You

 
You are a compassionate and motivated Social Worker with experience in safeguarding, child protection, and family support. You thrive in a collaborative environment, value reflective practice, and are committed to improving outcomes for children and families through evidence-based social work.  

You will be joining a positive, motivated, and well-supported team that values professional development, manageable workloads, and strong team cohesion.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualifying experience within Children’s Services, ideally in safeguarding or family support.
• Knowledge of assessment frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and multi-agency working.
• Ability to co-produce family plans that are strengths-based and outcome-focused.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
• Commitment to reflective practice, supervision, and continuous professional growth.
• Understanding of the Family Safeguarding Model or similar evidence-based approaches.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Portsmouth City Council
• Service Area: Family Support and Safeguarding Service
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential for extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Social Worker who is passionate about safeguarding children and empowering families to achieve positive change, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.