Join us as an Assistant Team Manager working in the Willow Team, where you’ll play a vital role in supporting children to achieve positive and lasting change. You’ll help lead our multi-agency specialist child exploitation team that operates across Hampshire working directly with children identified at risk of one or more elements of Missing, Exploitation and Trafficking (MET). You’ll work closely with partner agencies such as health, police and the youth justice service to target and reduce risks in the local community.
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. We’re looking for experienced and qualified Social Workers ready to step into a leadership role and help shape our ambitious, child-focused practice.
What you’ll do:
- Support the Team Manager in leading a busy and dynamic child exploitation team
- Provide guidance, oversight, and professional support to frontline social workers
- Help develop and deliver high‑quality services that improve outcomes for children and families
- Make timely, well‑balanced decisions in a demanding environment
- Support the team with complex cases and risk‑based decision‑making
- Contribute to service development and promote high professional standards across the team
You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below.
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Significant UK-based frontline statutory social work experience, including senior-level practice within Children & Families services.
- Proven ability to successfully lead, mentor and support other professionals within multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong knowledge and experience of complex children and family work, including child exploitation.
- Excellent assessment and supervision skills.
- Confident in making key safeguarding decisions to ensure children are safe and protected at all times.
- Proven track record in service development and innovation.
Why join us?
- 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.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.
To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details. xwzovoh
Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Advanced Social Work Practitioner, Senior Social Worker, Deputy Team Manager, Practice Supervisor, Senior Case Manager, Children’s Services Practitioner.