Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Children’s Social Care (CSW)

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced and confident Senior Social Worker to join our Children’s Social Work (CSW) Team on a 3-month interim basis. This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of London’s most diverse and dynamic boroughs, supporting children, young people, and families to achieve safety, stability, and lasting positive outcomes.

As a Senior Social Worker, you will take the lead in managing complex cases, providing professional expertise, and mentoring colleagues. You’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality assessments and interventions, ensuring that children and families receive the right support at the right time in line with Tower Hamlets’ vision for child-centred, relationship-based practice.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families in accordance with statutory responsibilities and local procedures.
   

• Lead and manage complex cases, including those subject to Child Protection, Child in Need, Care Proceedings, or those Looked After by the Local Authority.
   

• Develop and implement robust, outcome-focused care plans that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children.
   

• Work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to promote effective and coordinated interventions.
   

• Provide professional guidance and mentoring to social work colleagues, supporting reflective and high-quality practice.
   

• Prepare and present clear, analytical reports for court, reviews, and case conferences.
   

• Ensure that all practice is underpinned by a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and that the child’s voice is central to all decisions.
   

• Contribute to continuous service improvement through supervision, learning, and reflective team discussions.
   

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and detailed case records in line with local authority policies and statutory requirements.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, particularly in safeguarding, assessment, and care planning.
   

• Experience of managing complex cases, including court proceedings and multi-agency coordination.
   

• Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and current social work best practice.
   

• Excellent communication, decision-making, and analytical skills.
   

• Ability to support, mentor, and develop less experienced practitioners.
   

• Commitment to strengths-based, restorative, and child-centred practice.

Why Join?

Tower Hamlets is one of London’s most forward-thinking boroughs, offering an inclusive and supportive working culture that promotes innovation, diversity, and professional growth. As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll benefit from access to reflective supervision, ongoing training, and a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

This 3-month opportunity provides a chance to contribute to meaningful change while working with a passionate and dedicated children’s social care workforce committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

Interested? Apply today to join the London Borough of Tower Hamlets as a Senior Social Worker and help deliver high-quality, child-focused social work across the community.