Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker
London, Greater London
Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services (CSW)
Location: Southwark Council
Contract Type: Locum / Temporary
Duration: 3 months
Salary: £negotiable
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
Southwark Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Social Worker to join our Children’s Services (CSW) team on a 3-month interim contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a progressive, innovative, and child-centred local authority that is committed to achieving the best outcomes for children, young people, and families.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will take on a complex and varied caseload, providing expert knowledge, professional leadership, and mentoring support to colleagues. You will play a key role in ensuring that children and families receive timely, effective, and high-quality social work interventions that promote safety, stability, and positive change.
Main Responsibilities
- Undertake and lead on complex assessments of children and families in line with statutory requirements and best practice guidance.
- Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans to ensure they are outcome-focused and child-led.
- Manage cases involving significant risk and legal proceedings, including preparing reports and presenting evidence to court where required.
- Provide professional guidance, mentoring, and reflective support to less experienced social workers within the team.
- Work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners to develop effective interventions and sustainable support plans.
- Ensure all work complies with statutory frameworks, local authority procedures, and the Social Work England professional standards.
- Promote and model a strengths-based, restorative, and trauma-informed approach in all interactions.
- Maintain accurate, analytical, and up-to-date case records, ensuring accountability and consistency across practice.
Requirements
- Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
- Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
- Substantial post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including complex case management and court work.
- Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection frameworks, and best practice in family intervention.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to mentor and support other practitioners, contributing to a culture of reflective learning and improvement.
- Commitment to relational, strengths-based, and child-focused social work practice.
Why Join?
Southwark Council is a forward-thinking local authority recognised for its strong leadership, commitment to innovation, and focus on high-quality, relationship-based practice. You’ll work within a supportive, reflective environment that values professional development and encourages collaboration.
This short-term opportunity is ideal for an experienced practitioner who is ready to make an immediate impact, support complex decision-making, and contribute to a high-performing children’s service.
Interested? Apply today to join Southwark Council’s Children’s Services as a Senior Social Worker and help deliver positive change for children, young people, and families across the borough.