Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker
Bromley, Kent
Senior Social Worker / Specialist Social Worker – Referral & Assessment
Brief Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced Senior Social Worker / Specialist Social Worker to join the Referral & Assessment Service at Bromley Council. This locum role focuses on carrying out high-quality assessments for children and families where there are safeguarding concerns or complex needs. You will work closely with partner agencies to ensure timely, proportionate, and effective interventions that safeguard children and promote their wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake comprehensive assessments of children aged 0–17 and their families following referrals that meet statutory thresholds.
- Respond to referrals concerning Child Protection, Children in Need, and early stages of Looked After Children cases.
- Work jointly with the Police Child Abuse and Investigation Team (CAIT) to investigate and assess cases where children are at risk of significant harm.
- Carry out direct work with children and families to identify needs, assess risks, and develop effective plans to improve outcomes.
- Prepare detailed assessment reports, plans, and recommendations in line with legislation and local procedures.
- Transfer cases to appropriate long-term teams once initial assessments are complete, ensuring smooth handover and continuity of care.
- Manage and prioritise a varied caseload in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies, schools, and health professionals to provide coordinated support.
About the Role and Team
The Referral & Assessment Service handles new referrals for children aged 0–17 that meet the threshold for statutory assessment. This includes Child Protection, Children in Need, Looked After Children, and families presenting with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).
This role does not include management responsibilities and is focused entirely on frontline assessment and intervention.
About You
You are an experienced social work practitioner with a strong background in assessment and safeguarding. You have the ability to engage families with empathy while maintaining a clear focus on risk and safety. You are organised, analytical, and able to work effectively under pressure. A commitment to high-quality, evidence-based practice and collaborative working is essential.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Significant post-qualified experience in frontline children’s services, particularly within Referral & Assessment, Child Protection, or Children in Need.
- Excellent assessment, report-writing, and risk management skills.
- Knowledge of statutory frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and local authority procedures.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet statutory deadlines.
- Strong partnership working and communication skills.
Flexible Working
Social workers are expected to carry out face-to-face visits with families. All staff work on a rota basis for in-office days with their teams, ensuring flexibility and collaboration.
Expenses
Locum social workers can claim mileage from their designated work base to visit locations (excluding travel from home to work). The service also provides work Oyster cards for travel where required.
Contract & Salary
- Job Type: Locum
- Location: Bromley Council
- Team: Referral & Assessment
- Contract Length: Ongoing
- Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
- Working Pattern: Flexible / Hybrid
- Working Hours: Full-time
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Senior or Specialist Social Worker with a passion for assessment and safeguarding, and you’re looking to make an impact within Bromley Council’s Referral & Assessment Service, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply using the form on the page.