Locum Child Protection Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Family Support & Protection Team (Tower Hamlets Council)

Job Overview

We are recruiting a Senior Social Worker into the Family Support & Protection Team within Children’s Services at Tower Hamlets Council. This senior role involves delivering high-quality statutory practice—including child protection, looked-after children, and children in need—within the borough. You will work using the borough’s “Better Together” practice framework, grounded in restorative, systemic, and trauma-informed approaches. Tower Hamlets Children’s Services are rated **Good** by Ofsted, with clear strengths in leadership, support, and practice development. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Key Responsibilities

Complete single assessments to identify risks and needs for children and families. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Work with families affected by mental health issues, domestic violence, substance misuse, or learning disabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Conduct Section 47 investigations and carry out child protection and child-in-need home visits. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} Manage duty tasks—including referrals and initial assessments. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Write reports for Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Child reviews, and court proceedings. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Develop and review care plans for children and young people. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} Participate actively in team working, including supporting colleagues and attending team meetings. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} Contribute to practice development, mentoring, and uphold best-practice standards rooted in the “Better Together” principles. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} Benefit from career development through the Learning Academy, with a strong progression framework for experienced practitioners. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} Enjoy an inclusive work culture with support for agile/flexible working, pension, travel loans, and other employee benefits. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

About You

You are an experienced social worker with a strong commitment to high-quality statutory practice. You thrive in environments rooted in restorative, systemic, and trauma-informed approaches. You seek supervisory and career development support through structured leadership pathways. You work collaboratively across multi-agency contexts and maintain professional resilience and empathy. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration. Significant experience in statutory children’s social care—particularly in child protection, looked-after children, or similar areas. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} Competence in managing risk, conducting assessments, home visits, and writing statutory reports. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} Commitment to equity, reflective practice, and the Better Together principles. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Contract & Salary

Permanent role within Tower Hamlets Children’s Services. Estimated salary market average: around **£51,038 per annum**, based on current Senior Social Worker salaries at Tower Hamlets Council. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} Employing Council with Investors in People status, equal-opportunities values, and inclusive career support. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

How to Apply

If you are a senior children’s social worker committed to safeguarding and system-led practice in East London, we invite your application. Please apply using the form on the page.