Locum Child Protection Senior Social Worker
London, Greater London
Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services (London Borough of Sutton)
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced **Senior Social Worker (Qualified Social Worker – QSW)** to join the **London Borough of Sutton Children’s Services team**. This role focuses on managing complex safeguarding cases, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring children’s voices remain central to all decision-making and care planning.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will lead on challenging casework, provide professional guidance to less experienced staff, and work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners to deliver high-quality, child-centred outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
Undertake statutory assessments under the Children Act to identify risks, needs, and strengths.
Develop, implement, and review care and protection plans that place children at the centre.
Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional guidance to junior and newly qualified social workers.
Prepare and present clear, evidence-based reports for child protection conferences, statutory reviews, and court proceedings.
Build strong and trusting relationships with children, young people, and families.
Work collaboratively with schools, health services, police, and voluntary organisations to ensure joined-up support.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant case recording in line with legislation and Sutton Council policies.
Contribute to reflective supervision, peer learning, and continuous service improvement.
About You
You are a confident and resilient social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s services. You are skilled at managing complex safeguarding cases, supporting colleagues, and ensuring children remain at the heart of every decision.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Extensive post-qualification experience in Children’s Services.
Proven ability to manage complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
Experience of mentoring, coaching, or supporting less experienced staff.
Excellent knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
Strong assessment, communication, and report-writing skills.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **London Borough of Sutton**
Service: Children’s Services
Contract type: Full-time, locum/temporary contract via Tripod Partners
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Qualified Social Worker ready to take on a Senior role within the London Borough of Sutton’s Children’s Services, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.