Locum Child Protection Senior Social Worker
London, Greater London
Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services (London Borough of Sutton)
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced **Senior Social Worker (Qualified Social Worker – QSW)** to join the **London Borough of Sutton Children’s Services team**. This role focuses on managing complex casework, safeguarding children, and providing professional support and guidance to colleagues to ensure the highest standards of practice.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will lead on complex safeguarding interventions, support less experienced staff, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to promote the safety and wellbeing of children.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
Undertake statutory assessments under the Children Act to identify needs, risks, and strengths.
Develop, implement, and review care and protection plans that are child-centred and outcome-focused.
Provide mentoring, guidance, and informal support to junior and newly qualified social workers.
Prepare and present clear, evidence-based reports for child protection conferences, statutory reviews, and court proceedings.
Work directly with children, families, and carers to build positive, trusting relationships.
Work in partnership with schools, health professionals, police, and voluntary organisations to ensure coordinated support.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant case records in line with legislation and council policies.
Contribute to reflective supervision, team learning, and continuous service development.
About You
You are a confident and resilient social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s services. You are skilled in managing complex safeguarding cases and in supporting and guiding colleagues while ensuring children remain at the centre of your practice.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Extensive post-qualification experience in Children’s Services.
Proven ability to manage complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
Experience of mentoring, coaching, or supporting less experienced staff.
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
Excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **London Borough of Sutton**
Service: Children’s Services
Contract type: Full-time, locum/temporary contract via Tripod Partners
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Qualified Social Worker looking to take on a Senior role within the London Borough of Sutton’s Children’s Services, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.