Team Leader - Building Your Futures and Children Seeking Safety and Asylum

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Team Leader to guide and support our team in delivering exceptional care to children seeking safety and asylum.This is a leadership role that requires a strong commitment to safeguarding, advocacy, and cultural sensitivity.

About the Service

The Child Safety and Asylum Team is a small, dedicated team committed to providing exceptional care and support to children who have arrived in the UK seeking safety and asylum.We believe it is a profound privilege to care for these children in the absence of their parents, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards in doing so.

About the Role

As Team Leader, you will oversee a team of Social Workers supporting children and young people from the moment they arrive in Portsmouth.You will lead on all aspects of their journey, recognising the trauma and loss they may have experienced, and ensuring comprehensive assessments of their needs—including age assessments where appropriate.You will also support their navigation through the immigration system, advocating for their future with ambition and care.

You will work closely with and at times support the children we care for team, Building Your Futures.You will work alongside and in partnership with our care experienced young adult team, Supporting Your Futures, as well as external partners such as the Home Office, care providers, and health services.Your ability to build strong partnerships, delegate effectively, and motivate your team will be key to your success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Social Workers supporting vulnerable children.
• Ensure compliance with statutory guidance, local policies, and procedures.
• Oversee staff development, performance management, quality assurance, and budget responsibilities.
• Promote a restorative approach to practice and continuous service improvement.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of legislation and processes relating to Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC).

Important

Please ensure that you read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention the section'Who is the person' you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a candidate who

• Holds a Diploma/Degree/MSc in Social Work and is registered with Social Work England.
• Has substantial post-qualification experience in Children and Families Social Work.
• Possesses a strong understanding of relevant law, theory, and statutory guidance.
• Is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Demonstrates creativity, curiosity, and a solution-focused approach.
• Works effectively with children, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Has experience in staff or student supervision, with the ability to support and challenge appropriately.
• Is confident in problem-solving and managing tasks within agreed timescales.
• Contributes to workforce development and supports capability and disciplinary processes as needed.

Working Arrangements -You will be required to work a minimum of 3 days in the office per week.

Contact

Details for an Informal Discussion

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Vicky Laybourne - vicky.laybourne@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Interview date

Interviews will be held week commencing 22nd June 2026

Application process

We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.

As part of your application, we ask that you complete apersonal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

Safeguarding

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.