Team Leader - Child Safety and Asylum Team (CSAT)

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Portsmouth seeks a compassionate Team Leader for its Child Safety and Asylum Team. The role involves leading social workers to support vulnerable children and manage their integration process in the UK. Candidates must hold a relevant social work qualification and have experience in children's social work. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring a minimum of two office days per week.

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience in Children and Families Social Work.
• Strong understanding of relevant law, theory, and statutory guidance.
• Experience in staff or student supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Social Workers supporting vulnerable children.
• Ensure compliance with statutory guidance, local policies, and procedures.
• Oversee staff development and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Education

Diploma/Degree/MSc in Social Work

Job description

The Child Safety and Asylum Team provides specialist support to children arriving in the UK seeking safety and asylum. We consider it a profound privilege to care for these children in the absence of their parents and are committed to delivering the highest standards of care.

We are seeking a compassionate and driven Team Leader to guide our team in delivering trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and holistic support. As Team Leader, you will oversee a team of Social Workers supporting children and young people from the moment they arrive in Portsmouth. You will lead on all aspects of their journey, recognising the trauma and loss they may have experienced, and ensuring comprehensive assessments of their needs-including age assessments where appropriate.

You will also support their navigation through the immigration system, advocating for their future with ambition and care. You will collaborate closely with internal teams such as Children We Care For, Building Your Futures, and Supporting Your Futures, as well as external partners including the Home Office, care providers, and health services.

Your leadership will be key in fostering strong partnerships, motivating your team, and driving service improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a team of Social Workers supporting vulnerable children.
• Ensure compliance with statutory guidance, local policies, and procedures.
• Oversee staff development, performance management, quality assurance, and budget responsibilities.
• Promote a restorative approach to practice and continuous service improvement.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of legislation and processes relating to Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC).

Working Arrangements:

Attendance requirements to the designated workplace for the role in line with the Hybrid Working - Minimum of 2 days in the office per week

Requirements:

• Holds a Diploma/Degree/MSc in Social Work and is registered with Social Work England.
• Has substantial post-qualification experience in Children and Families Social Work.
• Possesses a strong understanding of relevant law, theory, and statutory guidance.
• Is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Works effectively with children, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Has experience in staff or student supervision, with the ability to support and challenge appropriately.
• Is confident in problem-solving and managing tasks within agreed timescales.
• Contributes to workforce development and supports capability and disciplinary processes as needed.

Equality and Diversity:

We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

About Portsmouth City Council:

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.