Senior Social Worker (Substance Misuse

Your new role

There are exciting changes within substance misuse recovery services. We are expanding our provision to improve capacity and quality which this post will be part of and co-located with new mental health practitioner posts, in a multi-disciplinary team based within the Recovery Hub in Southsea. This team will directly support those individuals or families accessing the Recovery Hub with multiple needs, as well as working alongside the Recovery Workers, providing advice and guidance.

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Portsmouth
• Posted 6 days ago
• 42838 - 47181 £ / Year
• Closes: 7 August 2026

Website Portsmouth City Council

Local Government

We are looking for an experienced Senior Social Worker to assess the needs of adults with problematic substance use and their Carers, to then identify creative ways to meet their assessed outcomes under the Care Act 2014. The role includes outcome led interventions, using a strength-based approach to support people to live their lives. You will work collaboratively with others, maintaining a strength based and aspirational approach to achieve the outcomes the person wants.

You will be assessing clients needs and agreeing a person-centred support plan, completing reviews of assessments and support plans as required. You will be supporting people with all their health, mental health and social care needs in a recovery focused way, promoting independence. Working with a wide range of services and agencies, you will be supporting both crisis management and mental capacity when required.

You will have extensive experience of supervising staff and be responsible for managing your caseload. In addition, you will chair or support other staff to chair multi-agency risk management meetings.

Who Is The Person Summary

You will be a qualified and experienced Social Worker registered with Social Work England. With excellent assessment and supervision skills you will have a thorough knowledge of Adult Social Care eligibility criteria, Continuing Healthcare processes, and the legislative frameworks that underpin practice, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act. In addition, you will have post-qualifying qualifications, such as Best Interest Assessor (BIA) or Practice Educator.

The role requires a practitioner who is committed to delivering personalised, strengths-based approaches that promote independence, choice and positive outcomes for adults. With a comprehensive awareness in safeguarding practice you will be able to apply legislation, policy and professional judgement effectively to support individuals. Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities are required, enabling you to work collaboratively with service users, families and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You will be able to manage a varied caseload efficiently, managing competing demands and changing priorities while maintaining high standards of professional practice. Good written communication and evidence-based recording skills are required, ensuring that case records are accurate, robust and suitable for legal proceedings where necessary. The ability to communicate confidently and effectively, including managing challenging situations and resolving conflict, is essential.