Support Worker

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624591

Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 pro-rata per annum (actual salary £20,085 - £22,017 per annum)

Work Location: Public Service Plaza, Havant 

Hours per week: 22.4 on average (based on a 4 or 5-week rolling rota)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 2 August 2026

Interview Date: 10 and 14 August 2026

The Role:

As a Support Worker in the Out of Hours team, you’ll provide vital support to children, families and vulnerable adults at the moments they need it most. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary hub, you’ll respond to urgent and often complex situations outside of standard hours, helping to keep people safe and supported. Your work will play a key role in building resilience, supporting people through challenging circumstances, and improving outcomes through a whole-family approach.

You’ll be joining an award-winning service, recognised nationally as ‘Team of the Year’ at the Social Worker of the Year Awards, reflecting the team’s commitment to safeguarding and delivering high-quality support when it matters most. It’s a fast-paced, supportive environment where every call can make a real difference.

What you’ll do:

• Provide timely advice, guidance and support to children, families and vulnerable adults, particularly in crisis situations.
• Respond to urgent issues, ensuring risks are assessed and appropriate action is taken.
• Build positive, professional relationships and work sensitively with individuals facing complex challenges.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies, sharing information and making referrals to ensure holistic support.
• Work flexibly as part of a rota, using your judgement and escalating concerns where needed.

What we’re looking for:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Social Care.
• Experience of working directly with children, families and vulnerable adults, and understanding of their needs.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and report writing skills.
• Ability to assess risk, stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Organised, IT literate, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Support Worker role, team and our values. The ‘About you’ section 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?

• Be part of an award-winning Out of Hours team making a real difference every day.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your contribution is valued.
• Enjoy a varied role with enhanced pay for evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• 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, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here. 

This role involves working evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays, for which enhancements are paid in line with the HCC salary policy. 

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: Out of Hours Support Worker, Emergency Duty Support Worker, Social Care Support Worker, Crisis Support Worker, Family Support Worker.

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:

Support Worker (Out of Hours) 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 Sheren Butler, Team Manager, on sheren.butler@hants.gov.uk or Diane Jones, Team Manager, on diane.jones@hants.gov.uk

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
 

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
 

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.