Social Worker, Family Advocacy & Support Services

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 has 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.

• You will be required to participate in the effective delivery of Family Helpservices 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.

You will be based within one of the Family Hubs within Southampton’s three designated locality teams. This role is for the west locality.