Senior Social Worker

Hampshire County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a Senior Social Worker to support children and families across Hampshire. The role involves mentoring colleagues, leading complex assessments, and fostering positive relationships with families. Candidates must be a qualified Social Worker, preferably with experience in statutory settings and strong safeguarding knowledge. This position offers competitive benefits and flexible working options to enhance work-life balance.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Relocation assistance up to £8,500

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Significant experience working with children and families from vulnerable backgrounds in a UK-based statutory social work setting.
• Comfortable mentoring others and role-modelling best practice.
• Strong understanding of legal frameworks and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentoring and guidance to colleagues.
• Lead on complex assessments and care planning.
• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners.

Skills

Mentoring and guidance

Building trust with families

Safeguarding knowledge

Creative and flexible approach

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Senior Social Worker

Job Reference: HCC622546
Salary Range: £47,393 - £51,827 per annum, inclusive of Market Supplement of £6,750 per annum
Work Location: Countywide, Hampshire - choose from Basingstoke, Test Valley (Andover), East Hampshire (Alton), New Forest (Totton), Hart & Rushmoor (Aldershot & Farnborough), Eastleigh & Winchester, Fareham & Gosport, Havant
Hours per week: 37 (part time hours may be considered)
Contract Type: Permanent

The Role:

Join us as a Senior Social Worker and take the next step in your career while making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across Hampshire. We’re proud to be part of a select group of local authorities recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding for the quality and impact of our children’s services.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your professional practice, mentor and collaborate with colleagues, and actively shape a culture of learning and continuous development.

What you'll do:

• Provide mentoring, guidance, and support to colleagues, helping them grow and develop in their roles.
• Champion reflective practice and contribute to service development and innovation.
• Role-model excellent social work practice, promoting high standardsacross the service.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with children and families to enable positive change.
• Lead on complex assessments, care planning, and interventions that safeguard and promote wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners to deliver holistic support.
• Manage complex caseloads with autonomy, creativity, and a focus on outcomes.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Comfortable mentoring others and role-modelling best practice.
• Significant experience working with children and families, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, in a UK-based statutory social work setting.
• Highly skilled in building trust, engaging families, and developing effective plans.
• Creative, flexible, and forward‑thinking in your approach to practice.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, legal frameworks, equality, and best‑value principles.
• Outstanding support: Regular, reflective supervision and a culture that values your voice.
• Flexible working: Including a 9‑day fortnight and hybrid options to support work‑life balance.
• Career development: 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning opportunities through our DfE ‘Partner in Practice’ initiative.
• Back‑office support: Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Relocation assistance: Up to £8,500 available for experienced UK‑based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• Wellbeing support: 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: Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more informationhere .

Ready to take the next step?

• Learn more: Explore the role, team, and our values in our Candidate Pack .
• Apply online: Click the ‘Apply’ button below to complete your application. Make sure you explain how you meet the requirements outlined in the ‘About you’ section of the candidate pack in your application.

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

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Senior Case Manager, Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Children’s Services Practitioner, Senior Safeguarding Social Worker.

Travel Requirements:

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.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

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.