Locum Child Protection Senior Social Worker
London, Greater London
Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services (Barnet Council)
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced **Senior Social Worker (Qualified Social Worker – QSW)** to join the **Barnet Council Children’s Services team**. This role focuses on leading complex safeguarding work, supporting vulnerable children and families, and mentoring colleagues to ensure the delivery of high-quality, child-centred practice.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will take responsibility for complex cases, contribute to service improvement, and provide guidance and professional oversight to less experienced social workers.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on complex safeguarding and child protection cases.
Undertake statutory assessments under the Children Act to identify risks, needs, and strengths.
Develop, implement, and review care and protection plans to achieve positive outcomes for children.
Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional guidance 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, young people, and families to build positive and trusting relationships.
Collaborate with schools, health professionals, police, and voluntary organisations to deliver coordinated, multi-agency support.
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant case recording in line with legislation and Barnet Council policies.
Contribute to reflective supervision, peer learning, and service development initiatives.
About You
You are a confident and resilient social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s services. You can manage complex safeguarding cases, support colleagues, and keep children’s needs at the centre of your practice.
Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**.
Significant 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 colleagues.
Excellent knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice.
Strong assessment, communication, and report-writing skills.
Contract & Salary
Employer: **Barnet Council**
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 ready to take on a Senior role within Barnet Council’s Children’s Services, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.