Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Mental Health (ASW)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Social Worker to join the Mental Health Service at the London Borough of Bexley on a 3-month locum contract. This is a key frontline role for a qualified social worker with substantial experience in adult mental health services, who can confidently manage complex cases, provide professional guidance, and promote recovery-focused, person-centred practice.  

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with health professionals and partner agencies to deliver high-quality interventions that support adults to live fulfilling, independent lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of adults with complex mental health needs, ensuring all work is carried out in line with statutory duties and best practice.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments under the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983, and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Deliver person-centred support plans that promote recovery, independence, and wellbeing.
• Provide professional advice, guidance, and support to colleagues across the service, acting as a point of escalation for complex cases.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring effective information sharing and coordinated care planning.
• Support safeguarding enquiries and ensure adults at risk are protected through effective assessment and intervention.
• Contribute to quality assurance, reflective supervision, and service development initiatives within the team.
• Build strong relationships with service users, carers, and partner agencies to deliver effective, integrated care.
• Maintain accurate, timely records in accordance with local authority procedures and statutory guidance.

About You

 
You are an experienced and confident social worker with a strong background in adult mental health services. You combine clinical insight with a compassionate approach, and you’re able to manage complex situations with professionalism and empathy. You bring a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and are committed to promoting recovery, inclusion, and independence through high-quality social work practice.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial experience working within adult mental health services.
• Knowledge and application of the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983, and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and risk management within mental health settings.
• Excellent communication, analysis, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to recovery-focused, strengths-based, and person-centred practice.
• Experience mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues is desirable.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Bexley
• Service Area: Adult Social Care – Mental Health
• Contract Length: 3 months
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Senior Social Worker with a strong background in mental health and a passion for supporting adults to achieve positive outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.