Assistant Team Manager (Refugee Team)

Hampshire County Council; Fareham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Team Manager for its Refugee Team, critical for supporting vulnerable children and families. This role involves overseeing practitioners, engaging in assessments, and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Candidates should be qualified social workers with significant experience in statutory practice. The position offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Access to ongoing professional development

Flexible working options

Health Assured’s Employee Assistance Programme

Competitive benefits package including generous leave

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience in frontline statutory social work, preferably in Children's Services.
• Ability to produce clear analytical reports and lead a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee practitioners in assessing and monitoring social care needs.
• Support children’s journey from arrival through critical assessments.
• Collaborate with partners to improve service delivery.

Skills

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Frontline statutory social work experience

Understanding of safeguarding principles

Excellent communication skills

Decision-making skills

Ability to lead and motivate a team

Resilience and adaptability

Job description

As an Assistant Team Manager in our Refugee Team, you’ll play a vital role in supporting separated children, unaccompanied minors, care leavers, and families with No Recourse to Public Funds as they seek safety and stability in the UK. This is a unique opportunity to work within a service that supports young people through their entire journey – from arrival and initial assessments of age, risk, and trafficking, through navigating the asylum process, to helping them transition into independence.

You’ll work closely with the Team Manager and practitioners to deliver a service that makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people, empowering them to feel safe, supported, and ready to build a new life in the UK.

What you’ll do

• Oversee and support practitioners in assessing, monitoring, and reviewing social care needs, ensuring services meet the highest standards.
• Be involved in the child’s end-to-end journey, from their arrival in the UK through critical assessments and care planning.
• Work creatively to reunite children with family and friends already in the UK, while maintaining strong links with parents abroad.
• Collaborate with carers, relatives, and partner agencies to shape future service delivery and contribute to ongoing improvements.
• Embed child‑centred practice and contextual safeguarding in all decision‑making.

What we’re looking for

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant frontline statutory social work experience, including senior‑level practice within Children & Families services.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and relevant legislation.
• Excellent communication and partnership‑building skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Skilled in decision‑making and producing clear, analytical reports.
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to delivering high‑quality, child‑centred services.

Why join us

• Be part of an innovative, supportive team making a real difference to vulnerable children and families.
• Access to ongoing professional development and post‑qualifying training.
• Flexible working options and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
• 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.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Senior Social Worker, Deputy Team Manager, Social Work Supervisor, Assistant Manager – Children’s Services, Social Work Team Leader.