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Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services

Location: London Borough of Hillingdon

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

The London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking an experienced and confident Senior Social Worker to join our Children’s Services team on a 3-month interim contract. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a progressive local authority that is dedicated to safeguarding children, supporting families, and achieving positive outcomes for the community.

As a Senior Social Worker, you will hold a complex caseload, provide professional expertise to colleagues, and contribute to service development through reflective supervision and practice improvement. You’ll use your experience to deliver high-quality social work that places the child’s voice at the centre of assessment, planning, and intervention.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Carry out detailed and analytical assessments of children and families in line with statutory frameworks and local procedures.
   

• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans that prioritise safety, wellbeing, and permanence.
   

• Lead and manage complex cases, including those within legal proceedings or involving significant risk.
   

• Provide professional guidance, mentoring, and support to less experienced social workers and students.
   

• Contribute to reflective supervision, case discussions, and service improvement initiatives.
   

• Prepare and present high-quality reports for case conferences, reviews, and court hearings.
   

• Work in partnership with children, families, and multi-agency partners to deliver coordinated, effective support.
   

• Ensure that all practice reflects Hillingdon’s commitment to child-centred, relationship-based, and strengths-focused social work.
   

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with statutory and local authority requirements.

Requirements

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

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant post-qualifying experience within children’s social care, including safeguarding, assessment, and complex case management.
   

• Proven ability to lead and influence good practice within a social work team.
   

• Strong understanding of child protection legislation, care proceedings, and multi-agency working.
   

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

• Commitment to relational, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practice.

Why Join?

Hillingdon is committed to delivering outstanding children’s services through strong leadership, professional development, and a culture of continuous improvement. You’ll work within a supportive environment that encourages reflective practice, collaboration, and professional growth.

This short-term opportunity offers the chance to apply your expertise, lead on complex cases, and make a real difference to the lives of children and families across Hillingdon.

Interested? Apply today to join the London Borough of Hillingdon as a Senior Social Worker and play a key role in delivering high-quality, impactful social work practice.