Social Work Assistant Manager

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624045
Salary Range: £40,643 - £45,077 per annum, plus a Market Supplement of £8,350 per annum
Work Location: Havant Plaza, Havant (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent 
Closing Date: 18 May 2026

The Role:

Join us as a Social Work Assistant 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

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.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Social Work Assistant Manager role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.    

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. Find more information here.

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.

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.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.   

Additional Information:

Social Work Assistant Manager Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Neil Connolly, Team Manager on Neil.Connolly@hants.gov.uk