Social Worker

As a Social Worker in our Family Connections Service, you'll play a vital role in helping children remain within their family networks and thrive outside of the care system. Your work will ensure children grow up in familiar, stable environments where they can flourish. You'll assess, prepare, and support carers who have a connection to the child, working collaboratively with Social Workers, Team Managers, and legal representatives to deliver a whole-family approach to care planning. Our specialist team works closely with Children's Social Work teams and other professionals to deliver safe, effective care within family networks. With over 900 children supported under Special Guardianship Orders and an average of 200 kinship carers in assessment, this is a dynamic and evolving service where your contribution will make a real difference. What you'll do:

• Advise Children's Social Workers to identify and engage potential family and friends' carers.
• Complete thorough assessments of connected carers for Special Guardianship or fostering roles.
• Equip carers with the knowledge and confidence to provide safe, nurturing homes.
• Deliver ongoing support to carers to ensure stability and positive outcomes for children.
• Contribute to service development, helping more children remain within their family networks., You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis., For an informal chat about the role, please contact Faye Nethercote,Team Manager on
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.


• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and legislative frameworks underpinning fostering and Children in Care.
• Experience working with Children in Care and multi-agency teams.
• Clear and analytical report-writing and assessment skills, supporting sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams and with prospective carers.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel across a large geographical area.
  
  Work in a collaborative, high-performing team with a clear vision for positive outcomes.
• Flexible working, including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid options to support work-life balance.
• Career development opportunities, including 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning through our DfE 'Partner in Practice' initiative.
• Up to £8,500 relocation assistance for experienced UK-based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• 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.
• Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information