Qualified Social Worker - Family Connections Service HCC618427

Are you passionate about helping more children live within their family networks outside of the care system?

We are looking for exceptional Social Workers who are enthusiastic about being part our Family Connections Service. You will play a vital role in helping more children to live and thrive within their family networks outside of the care system.

This is an expanding service, and we are investing heavily to support children and families in our community.

In this service, you will assess, prepare and support carers who have a connection to the child. You will be working with families that have a connection to the child and who may be able to provide an alternative home. You will be working collaboratively with the child's social worker, team manager and legal representatives to deliver a whole family approach to the care planning.

The new Family Connections Service will be responsible for:

• Advising children's social workers to help them identify and engage potential carers


• Assessing carers as special guardians or foster carers


• Providing/facilitating support to carers to prepare to take on this caring role


• Providing/facilitating long-term support to carers to ensure successful outcomes for children


• Contributing towards our strategy of increasing the number of children placed with family and friends carers outside of the care system (for example with Special Guardians)


Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, You will be joining Hampshire County Council's Children's Services which is one of the top local authorities in the country.
As identified by Ofsted we 'have resolutely focused on continuing to improve'. Our transformation journey over the past five years has seen us develop a range of new services and ways of working, including this service.

As part of our work as a Department for Education 'Partner in Practice', you will be provided excellent development opportunities. Our children's social workers are offered the unique opportunity to lead by example, trailblazing new ways of working to update and enhance social work practice across the country., We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, and as per safer recruitment requirements, please note we will take up references prior to interview.

We will provide you with:

• 25 - 28 days Annual Leave based on experience and length of service.


• A hybrid tablet device, so you can work more effectively and flexibly.


• 5 personal development days per annum.


• Access to free and confidential Employee Support for you and your immediate family (including 24/7 counselling and advice).


• Salary and career progression.


• Opportunity to become a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution included.


• Flexible working options to fit around today's lifestyles.


• Assistance with relocation by offering up to £8,500 for experienced social workers wanting to move to Hampshire (subject to management approval).