Social Worker (Children in Care)

Hampshire County Council; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government council in Basingstoke is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team. In this vital role, you will conduct comprehensive assessments and develop care plans to support vulnerable children. You will work closely with multi-agency partners to advocate for children's rights and ensure their well-being. The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge of UK legislation and experience within statutory frameworks. Benefits include flexible working, career development opportunities, and generous leave policies.

Benefits

Flexible working including a 9-day fortnight

Career development opportunities

Generous annual leave and occupational sick pay

Relocation assistance up to £8,500

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of key UK legislation governing work with children.
• Experience supporting children and families within statutory frameworks.
• Ideally includes experience with children in care.

Responsibilities

• Carry out comprehensive assessments to understand each child’s needs.
• Develop and review care plans reflecting the child’s needs and wishes.
• Take timely safeguarding action and monitor risks.
• Engage in direct work with children to support their emotional development.
• Work towards achieving stable placements for children.
• Collaborate effectively with multi-agency partners.

Skills

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Strong report-writing skills

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Ability to assess needs and identify risks

Job description

As a Social Worker in our Children in Care Team, you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of care‑experienced children. You’ll lead on assessments, care planning, and interventions to ensure every child’s voice is heard. Working creatively and confidently with multi‑agency partners, you’ll deliver holistic, child‑centred support that makes a real difference.

Managing a varied and complex caseload, you’ll build strong, trusting relationships that enable positive change and help achieve the best possible outcomes for children. You’ll join a friendly, stable, and supportive team that shares a passion for creating brighter futures. Our strength‑based approach focuses on promoting wellbeing and maintaining family connections wherever possible.

What you’ll do

• Carry out comprehensive assessments to understand each child’s needs and circumstances.
• Develop and review care plans that reflect the child’s needs and wishes.
• Take timely safeguarding action and monitor risks throughout the child’s journey.
• Engage in direct work with children to support their emotional and social development.
• Work towards achieving stable and permanent placements for children.
• Collaborate effectively with multi‑agency partners and advocate for the child’s rights.
• Travel across the country as required to meet in person with children in care.

What we’re looking for

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Solid understanding of key UK legislation governing work with children.
• Experience supporting children and families within statutory frameworks, ideally including children in care and those involved in care proceedings.
• Ability to assess needs, identify risks, and develop effective, outcome‑focused plans.
• Strong report‑writing skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, confident in multi‑agency working.

Why join us

• 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 opportunities, including 5 personal development days per year and access to excellent learning through our DfE “Partner in Practice” initiative.
• Dedicated business support team to free up your time for frontline work.
• Up to £8,500 relocation assistance for experienced UK‑based Social Workers relocating to Hampshire (subject to management approval).
• 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.
• Generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

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 may include: Child Protection Social Worker, Looked After Children Social Worker, Children’s Services Social Worker, Safeguarding Social Worker, Children and Families Social Worker.