Never has there been a better time to join an organisation that is good across all areas and remains committed to continuing on its journey of improvement.
Southampton Children’s Services were inspected by Ofsted in June 2023 and found all services to be Good with Outstanding Leadership and Management, an outcome we are extremely proud of, with Ofsted reporting that ‘impressive strategic and operational leadership, aligned with corporate and political commitment, has provided a clear vision, ambition and energy which has garnered the confidence and commitment of key partners, and there is a collective momentum to continue to improve services and outcomes for children across the city’.
We absolutely know social work is challenging as it requires stamina, resilience, and determination however, 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. They want to know that someone is always there for them and in order to do this our social workers need manageable workloads, supportive and transparent relationships with managers and the opportunity to continually grow in experience, knowledge and confidence.
This is what our new service offers our social workers and others.
We have built a strong social work family 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 and Ofsted have said that ‘Staff across children’s services like 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 children, young people and their families.
We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic individual to undertake the role of Social Worker within the Family Help - Central Locality Case Holding Team.
- You will be required to participate in the effective delivery of Family Help services to children, families, and carers, be responsible for undertaking statutory assessments, statutory planning and review processes, contributing to multi-agency planning, implementing agreed actions, providing interventions, and negotiating for and co-ordinating resources in relation to children in need and children requiring protection.
- To provide a service to children and their families who meet the threshold for Family Help services. Assessing, planning, and reviewing the needs for appropriate services and providing reports. Providing advice, support and information to meet children and family’s needs in partnership with carers / parents.
- Commit to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and value and respect their views and needs.
- Contributing to the development of the team and service ensuring service users are provided with effective services ensuring anti discriminatory practice and in accordance with agreed performance standards.
- Participate in individual and group supervision and training, to ensure that team and departmental performance standards are met and individual professional skills and knowledge is developed.
- Ensure written records are accurate and kept in accordance with Data Protection requirements and department policies and procedures.
Location:
You will be based within one of the Family Hubs within Southampton’s three designated locality teams. This role is for the west locality.
About you:
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures.
- Experience of working within Social Work in children and family services.
- Ensure the safeguarding of children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
- Ability to make reasoned decisions with management consultation.
- Ability to access and analyse information from a number of sources quickly and when under pressure.
- Experience and ability to undertake robust assessments.
- Experience of analysing risk and developing plans to effectively manage risks.
- Ability to develop and progress plans for children and their families.
- Understanding and ability to ensure permanency plans are in place for children.
- Understanding of the ethos of systemic practice & assessment.
- Experience of working in a partnership with families and delivering a child centred service
Essential Qualifications
- Social Work Degree or DIPSW
- Qualified Social Workers should also be registered with Social Work England or have proof of application for registration.
What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is £41,771 - £46,141 per annum. The starting salary is £41,771 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- 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: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the role, please contact Katie Luff at [email protected]
Interview Information:
Please note that interviews are scheduled for 17th August 2026.
Recruitment contact details:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council
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