Advanced Practitioner (Social Worker

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth City Council is seeking an Advanced Social Worker to manage complex caseloads involving children, individuals and families, with specialists in housing/homelessness, SEND reforms, child sexual abuse and neurodivergent parents. Candidates should apply with preferred specialism(s) identified and be registered with Social Work England.

The role is based in Portsmouth within Family Help and Children’s Services, demanding professional judgment to assess risk, plan safeguarding and sustain

Qualifications

• You must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
• You will be practising at Experienced Social Worker level with substantial post-qualifying experience.
• You will be able to provide high support and high challenge to families and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex assessment and safeguarding planning, select proportionate interventions and balance individual rights with the need to provide protection and maintain safety.
• Chair professional meetings and maintain clear, analytical case records.
• Provide reflective professional supervision and mentor less experienced staff, sharing specialist knowledge with colleagues and partners.

Job description

We have opportunities for experienced and ambitious Advanced Social Workers who have a specialism in one of the following areas:

• Housing and preventing homelessness
• Education and the SEND reforms
• Child Sexual abuse
• Supporting neurodivergent parents and parents with learning disabilities

Applicants should identify their preferred specialism, or specialisms, within their application.

The Service In July 2026, our Children's Services were rated ' Outstanding' in all areas and highlighted a positive culture where employees feel valued and supported.

Our relational, restorative and trauma-informed practice model focuses on working with children and families, building on their strengths and developing solutions together.

Family Help in Portsmouth brings together targeted early help, Child in Need and Child Protection support within one coordinated service. Through a dedicated lead practitioner, families receive a shared assessment and plan, helping them access timely support while reducing unnecessary changes of worker.

Our whole-family approach recognises the connection between children's wellbeing and the needs of their parents and carers, allowing professionals to coordinate support and address difficulties together

About the Role

You will take professional responsibility for a complex caseload involving children, individuals, carers and families who require skilled support and guidance. Using confident professional judgement, you will assess and manage risk, make accountable decisions and sustain engagement where circumstances or capacity fluctuate, including situations involving hostility or risk.

You will lead complex assessment and safeguarding planning, select proportionate interventions and balance individual rights with the need to provide protection and maintain safety.

You will work alongside less experienced practitioners where appropriate, chair professional meetings and maintain clear, analytical and up-to-date case records.

Working closely with the Service Leader, you will play an important role in developing practice and sustaining a strong learning culture. This will include providing reflective professional supervision, mentoring less experienced employees, sharing specialist knowledge with colleagues and partners, and acting as a practice educator or undertaking the relevant training where required.

You must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.

You will currently be practising at Experienced Social Worker level and have substantial post-qualifying experience, together with a strong understanding of relevant legislation and a commitment to continuing professional development.

You will be able to provide both high support and high challenge to families and professionals.

You will be a confident facilitator with a strong interest in social justice, practice education and anti-oppressive practice, and you will be able to influence practitioners, managers and senior leaders to embed effective anti-racist practice informed by research.

A full UK driving licence is required, although applicants who can demonstrate that they are currently taking driving lessons may also be considered, as the role involves travelling to locations across Portsmouth and further afield.

Working arrangements

This is a fully office-based position, working from a Family Help Service, the Civic Offices and a Family Hub in Portsmouth. Opportunities for hybrid working are limited.