Locum Child Protection Senior Social Worker
London, Greater London
Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services (London Borough of Lambeth)
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced **Senior Social Worker (Qualified Social Worker – QSW)** to join the **London Borough of Lambeth Children’s Services team**. This role focuses on managing complex safeguarding cases, mentoring colleagues, and ensuring high standards of practice across the service.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for leading on complex casework, supporting and guiding less experienced social workers, and working collaboratively with children, families, and partner agencies to promote safety and positive 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 child-centred care and protection plans.
Provide mentoring, guidance, and professional support to junior and newly qualified social workers.
Prepare and present evidence-based reports for child protection conferences, statutory reviews, and court proceedings.
Build strong, positive relationships with children, young people, and families.
Collaborate with schools, health services, police, and voluntary organisations to deliver joined-up, multi-agency support.
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant case recording in line with legislation and Lambeth Council policies.
Contribute to reflective supervision, service audits, 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 in handling complex safeguarding cases, supporting colleagues, and ensuring children remain at the centre of practice.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Extensive post-qualification experience within Children’s Services.
Proven ability to manage complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
Experience of mentoring, coaching, or supporting colleagues.
Excellent knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
Strong communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **London Borough of Lambeth**
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 Lambeth’s Children’s Services, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.