Job Description

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people facing some of life's toughest challenges? Southampton Children's Services is looking for a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our innovative Young Peoples Service, working with children and young people at risk of exploitation, serious youth violence, and those on the edge of care.
About the Role:
As a Senior Social Worker, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable young people and supporting them towards safer, brighter futures. You will bring your expertise to support not only our most complex children but also the team, sharing learning, best practice, and contributing to the continuous professional development of colleagues. Your insight will help shape creative, effective interventions for some of Southampton's most vulnerable young people.
What We Offer:

• Dedicated Youth Hub: Access to a fantastic facility including a music room and skills room, supporting holistic engagement.
• Strong Community Links: Work alongside local youth charities and community organisations
• Innovative Practice: Be part of a forward-thinking service committed to creativity and innovation in social work practice.
• An opportunity to work within a service where the Assistant Team Manager says 'this is the happiest I have ever been in a job'
• Enjoy a Nine Day Fortnight: Enjoy a better work-life balance

What We're Looking For:

• A qualified social worker with at least two years post-qualifying experience, preferably with children and young people at risk of exploitation, youth violence, or on the edge of care.
• Proven ability to lead, support, and mentor social work colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and professional growth.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Excellent communication and multi-agency collaboration skills to ensure effective, coordinated responses.
• A proactive, reflective practitioner who can contribute to service development and innovation.

If you are ready to take the next step in your social work career and make a significant impact in Southampton's communities, we want to hear from you!
What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is 47,181 - 51,357. The starting salary is 47,181 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent

with 16.8% employer contribution * Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)

• Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:
Please note: We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the above role please contact Georgina Arnold
Recruitment contact details:
Email:
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit
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Organisation
Southampton City Council
Service Area
Young Peoples Service
Job Location
Civic Centre
Contract Length
Permanent
Work Hours
Full time 37 hours per week
Salary
47,181 - 51,357 per annum
Special Requirements
Enhanced DBS will be required
Closing Date
25/09/2025
Job Reference
15957
Documents
(PDF, 234.18kb)

Skills Required