Portsmouth is a great waterfront city and a vibrant place to live and work. It is an island city with an "inner city" feel, a seaside location packed with attractions and events, and the advantage of fantastic countryside on its doorstep. With fast road and rail links to London, Brighton and major airports, and ferry links to Europe, it is the perfect place to live and work. Portsmouth has a strong history of partnership working and has successfully integrated several local services. The Service: Children's Social Care provides social work interventions to children in need (including children with disabilities and those subject to protection plans) and children looked after and care experienced young people. As a service we take pride in our work by valuing others, focusing on what's important so that we make a real and positive difference. Your New Role: You will have responsibility for Children We Care For in Portsmouth, and deliver on our 'Going Home & Strengthening Families' approach. You will lead a service of team leaders, social workers, and other staff, and ensure the efficient running of the service. You will ensure all statutory requirements are met and delivered to a high standard, and lead quality assurance activity including service audits and regulatory inspections. You will ensure all team requirements are met regarding workforce development, performance management, supervision and appraisal, compliance with statutory guidance and local policies and procedures, quality improvements, and budget management. You will work creatively and autonomously, and promote a restorative, strengths-based approach to work.
You have a recognised professional qualification in social work (Social Work Diploma/Degree/MSc or equivalent) and are registered with Social Work England. You have substantial post-qualification experience in social work with children and families, including management experience at least at a team leader/manager level. You are a confident and inspirational leader, and can demonstrate a level of authority and ability to support, challenge and scrutinise professional practice. You take responsibility for your own learning and can contribute to staff development through coaching and mentoring. You are curious and creative, and above all have a 'can do' attitude.
We really appreciate our employees and fully realise they are essential to our success and look to offer an inclusive, supportive working environment where employees can reach their potentials with a healthy work life balance, offering the following rewards:
* Generous annual leave (27 days per year rising to 31, pro rata for part time hours) with the potential to purchase additional leave.
* A fantastic pension which allows you the opportunity to pay in more for that greater return.
* Flexible working options including hybrid working with a minimum of three days office based per week pro rata, giving you the flexibility to work up to two days at home every week. Hybrid working is dependent on the role and service needs, exact details will be discussed with you at interview.
* Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities including apprenticeships.
* Extensive wellbeing support through the Employee Assistance Programme
* Discount on travel, travel loans and the bike loan scheme
* Discounts on a wide range of goods and services - access a range of discounts and offers from thousands of restaurants, shops and more.
Staff rewards: