Special Guardianship Community Support and Outreach Worker
Job Reference: pcc/TP/659/1488
Number of positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Band 7, £32,061 to £36,363 per annum
Working Hours: 37
Location: Portsmouth City Council
Closing Date: 24/06/2026
Job Category: Social Care Children
Region / Division: UK Region
Job Introduction
We are looking for a Special Guardianship Community Support and Outreach Worker to join our Connected Persons Assessment and Support Team within the Fostering Service. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing service that supports Special Guardianship arrangements across the city.
Our Fostering Service provides children with safe and stable care when they are unable to live with their parents. We are committed to high standards, restorative practice, and delivering meaningful support to families. Portsmouth has been rated “Good” by Ofsted, reflecting the high quality of work delivered for children and families.
The Role
As a Special Guardianship Community Support and Outreach Worker, you will provide advice, guidance and support to Special Guardians both locally and beyond. You will manage a caseload, deliver training, facilitate support groups and work directly with children, carers and families to assess needs and improve outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deliver targeted interventions covering emotional wellbeing, behavioural challenges, family relationships, substance misuse, housing and financial support.
- Use a restorative, strengths‑based approach to empower families.
- Act as a lead professional, coordinating multi‑agency support.
- Represent the service at meetings, educational settings and community events.
- Develop and deliver training and support programmes for Special Guardians.
- Help families build sustainable, long‑term solutions to reduce demand on statutory services.
The ideal candidate
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, fostering and children’s legislation.
- Understanding of therapeutic parenting approaches.
- Insight into child development and trauma‑informed practice.
- Experience working with families and delivering support interventions.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Ability to manage changing priorities and meet deadlines.
- A collaborative, multi‑agency working approach.
- Strong assessment, recording and report‑writing skills.
- A flexible and positive attitude focused on achieving the best outcomes.
- A driving licence and access to transport (or ability to travel across Portsmouth) is essential.
- Occasional evening and out‑of‑hours work required.
- Valid right to work in the UK.
- Outstanding DBS (Standard/Enhanced) and other safeguarding checks as required.
- No sponsorship will be offered for this position.
Working Arrangements
Minimum of two days per week in the office as per Hybrid Working Policy.
Equal Opportunity
We are a disability confident employer and an Armed Forces Covenant gold standard.
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