Senior Social Worker (Children & Families)

Children & Families

Our most recent Ofsted inspection was graded as ‘good’ in all areas. The children in our care said we are a “special council and are like a family to them”.

“Staff enjoy working in Southwark. Their morale is high, and they appreciate the high level of support, the career progression opportunities, the learning and development offer and the ambition that the organisation has for them.”

Ofsted, November 2022

At Southwark Children’s Services, we pride ourselves on doing our vital job differently. Our systemic, holistic, family-centred approach sits at the core of our values. And our endlessly supportive, collective, colleague-centred culture underpins everything we do to protect vulnerable children across our borough.

“Children are at the heart of practice in Southwark.”

“Staff have time to work intensively with families when needed, and to reflect and consider ways to improve children’s lives”

For the reasons you can see above Ofsted recently judged us as Good in all areas. We are currently seeking experienced Senior Social Workers who have the professional potential and personal attributes that our families need and can share our commitment to improving outcomes for all children and young people and tackling injustice, inequality and racism.

You can read more about our approach, our offer to staff and our services at our website here

We’ll assign you a manageable number of cases that allow your natural skills and expertise to flourish. You will:

Work directly with children and provide a clear and accurate assessment of the needs of the child and their family
Conduct interviews, develop observations and gather information from children, families and other agencies as directed by the Team Manager
Devise, implement and review plans, including the development and management of protection plans within a child protection framework, care and pathway plans.
Ensure all statutory responsibilities are well managed, including visiting children, arranging reviews and reporting to the court.
Carry out in-depth, ongoing evidence based assessment of complex needs and risks to children
What you bring:

We’re looking for impressive experience of direct social work with children and their families. You’ll also bring:

The ability to formulate and implement effective social work interventions
Experience of preparing reports and presenting these in contested court proceedings
The ability to provide professional guidance, support and development opportunities and contribute to organisational development
A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
At least three years post qualifying experience in a social work role within a statutory setting, working with children and families, and attendance at appropriate training
This is an excellent opportunity to shine in an ambitious, well-resourced, well-regarded and stable social care environment.

If you would like an informal conversation about this role, please contact Dan Comach (Principal Social Worker) at daniel.comach@southwark.gov.uk

To apply you can email us your most recent CV directly to socialworkjobs@southwark.gov.uk or complete the quick and simple application form on the link below.

Additional details:

For roles in our Assessment &Intervention and Safeguarding & Family Support teams, we are offering for a time limited period a Welcome Payment of £3000 for joining Southwark, followed by a retention payment of £2400 per year for your first two years, and £3600 after three years.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required at enhanced level.

Eligibility to work in the UK is required

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

About us
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.  Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Recruitment timetable:

Closing date: Ongoing
Interview date: Weekly interview slots

SWCHTF

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.