Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker / Specialist Social Worker – Localities (Grade 8)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are recruiting an experienced Senior Social Worker / Specialist Social Worker to join the Localities Team at the London Borough of Sutton. This locum role offers the opportunity to deliver high-quality, child-centred social work that safeguards and promotes the welfare of children, young people, and families. You’ll play a key role in assessments, care planning, and interventions within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments under the Children Act 1989, including Section 47 enquiries, Child in Need, and Child Protection assessments.
• Manage a varied caseload of children and families, ensuring timely and effective intervention in line with statutory requirements.
• Contribute to Public Law Outline (PLO) processes and court proceedings, preparing clear and evidence-based reports.
• Participate in the locality team’s duty rota – one week per month – responding promptly to referrals, crises, and safeguarding concerns.
• Develop and implement child-centred care plans that promote safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
• Work in partnership with families, schools, health professionals, and other agencies to deliver coordinated support.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and contribute to service reviews and audits.

About You

 
You are an experienced and confident practitioner with strong analytical and communication skills. You bring a proactive and empathetic approach to supporting children and families, maintaining professionalism under pressure and delivering consistently high standards of care. A solid understanding of safeguarding legislation and local authority processes is essential.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social care, ideally within a locality or safeguarding team.
• Proven ability to carry out complex assessments, Section 47 enquiries, and court work.
• Comprehensive understanding of child protection frameworks and relevant legislation.
• Strong communication, organisation, and case management skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Sutton
• Team: Localities Team
• Grade: 8
• Contract Length: Ongoing
• Duty Rota: One week per month
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Senior or Specialist Social Worker looking for your next locum role within a dedicated Localities Team at the London Borough of Sutton, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.