69 Social Care Jobs in Hampshire

Find out about social care in Hampshire – where social care professionals can find jobs, the organisations they might work for, universities to study at, plus essential living information.

Hampshire is one of the largest and most diverse counties in the South of England, stretching from the South Coast to the edge of the South Downs and bordering counties such as Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex. It includes a mix of major urban centres, coastal cities, market towns and rural communities, making it a varied and dynamic environment for social care professionals.

With a population of around 1.8 million people, Hampshire has significant and ongoing demand for social care services across adult care, children’s services, mental health provision and community-based support. The county’s size and demographic diversity mean professionals can gain experience across a wide range of service areas and client groups.

Hampshire offers a strong balance between career opportunities, quality of life and access to both countryside and coastal living, making it an attractive location for social care professionals at all stages of their careers.

Where do social care professionals work in Hampshire?

Hampshire has a large and well-established network of local authority, NHS and independent sector services supporting individuals and families across the county.

Key employers include:

Hampshire County Council Adult Services and Children’s Services
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Local district and borough councils
Residential care homes and supported living providers
Domiciliary and reablement care agencies
Charities and voluntary sector organisations

Hampshire County Council is one of the largest local authorities in England and delivers a wide range of statutory services, including safeguarding, disability services, early help, fostering and adoption support.

NHS organisations such as Hampshire Hospitals and Southern Health provide integrated care services, particularly in areas such as community mental health, learning disabilities and rehabilitation. Social care professionals often work closely with healthcare teams in multidisciplinary settings.

Opportunities are available across:

Adult social care and safeguarding
Older people’s services and dementia care
Children’s social work and family support
Learning disability and autism services
Mental health services
Community outreach and preventative care

Demand is especially strong in elderly care, rural service delivery and complex needs support, reflecting Hampshire’s ageing population and geographic spread.

Where can aspiring social care professionals study near Hampshire?

Hampshire is home to several well-regarded universities and colleges offering social care and related qualifications.

Key institutions include:

University of Southampton
University of Portsmouth
Solent University
Winchester University

These institutions offer courses such as:

Social work degrees
Health and social care programmes
Nursing and allied health professions
Social policy and community studies

Students benefit from:

Strong placement opportunities across Hampshire’s services
Exposure to both urban and rural care environments
Partnerships with local authorities and NHS providers
Clear pathways into employment within the county

Courses typically combine academic study with practical experience, preparing graduates for a wide range of roles in the sector.

Where do social care professionals live in Hampshire?

Hampshire offers a wide variety of living options, allowing professionals to choose locations based on budget, lifestyle and commuting preferences.

Popular areas include:

Winchester – historic city with a high quality of life
Southampton – large urban centre with more affordable housing
Portsmouth – coastal city with strong community networks
Basingstoke – commuter town with good London access
Farnborough and Aldershot – well-connected and practical for professionals
Rural villages – offering quieter lifestyles and countryside surroundings

Housing options range from:

City centre apartments
Suburban family homes
Period properties in historic towns
Rural cottages and village housing

Many professionals choose Hampshire for its flexibility, allowing them to balance affordability with access to employment hubs.

What are the living costs for social care professionals in Hampshire?

Living costs in Hampshire vary depending on location, with more expensive areas closer to London and more affordable options in coastal or urban centres.

Typical costs include:

Average house price: £300,000–£500,000
Average rent: £1,000–£1,600 per month
Shared accommodation: £600–£900 per month

Areas such as Winchester and parts of north Hampshire tend to be more expensive, while Southampton and Portsmouth offer more affordable options.

Additional costs such as council tax and utilities are broadly in line with the UK average.

Overall, Hampshire offers better affordability than London and parts of the South East, while still providing access to competitive salaries and career opportunities.

Is travel easy in Hampshire?

Hampshire has excellent transport connections, making it easy to travel within the county and beyond.

Key transport options include:

Direct rail services to London from towns such as Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton
Major road networks including the M3, M27 and A3
Local bus services connecting towns and rural areas
Ferry routes from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight and international destinations

Journey times to London typically range from 60–90 minutes depending on location.

While public transport is strong in urban areas, professionals working in rural locations may benefit from access to a car.

What to do in Hampshire: lifestyle, culture and leisure

Culture and attractions

Hampshire offers a rich mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks and cultural attractions.

Popular destinations include:

New Forest National Park – known for its open landscapes and wildlife
Historic Winchester, with its cathedral and heritage sites
South Downs National Park (partially within the county)
Coastal areas along the Solent

Outdoor activities are a major part of life in Hampshire, including walking, cycling and sailing.

Nightlife and eating out

Hampshire has a varied food and leisure scene, particularly in its larger towns and cities.

Options include:

Restaurants ranging from independent eateries to national chains
Traditional pubs and countryside inns
Bars and nightlife venues in Southampton and Portsmouth
Cafés and casual dining options across towns and villages

Southampton and Portsmouth offer the most vibrant nightlife, while smaller towns provide a more relaxed social scene.

What are the school options in Hampshire?

Hampshire has a strong reputation for education, making it a popular choice for families.

Options include:

A wide range of primary and secondary schools
Sixth form colleges across the county
Independent and private schools
Special educational needs (SEN) provision
Further education colleges

School performance is generally strong, particularly in more affluent areas such as Winchester and north Hampshire.

Population and demographics in Hampshire

Key facts:

Population: approximately 1.8 million
Mix of urban, suburban and rural communities
Ageing population in many areas
Diverse socioeconomic profile across the county

This diversity creates varied and ongoing demand for social care services across different population groups.

In summary: is Hampshire a good place to be a social care professional?

Hampshire offers a well-rounded and highly practical environment for social care professionals.

Key advantages include:

Large and diverse job market across multiple service areas
Strong local authority and NHS presence
Excellent training and education opportunities
Wide range of lifestyle options, from city to countryside
Good transport links to London and the South Coast

While some areas have higher living costs, Hampshire overall provides:

Good value compared to London
Strong career progression opportunities
A balance between professional development and quality of life

For social care professionals seeking variety, stability and flexibility, Hampshire is one of the most attractive counties in the South of England.