Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Experienced / Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services

Brief Job Overview

 
We are recruiting an experienced and dedicated Senior Social Worker to join Children’s Services at the London Borough of Lambeth. This locum position is ideal for a resilient and motivated practitioner with at least three years of Child Assessment Team (CAT) experience. You’ll play a key role in safeguarding and supporting children and families, contributing to a service that values high-quality social work, professional growth, and collaboration.  

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive child and family assessments within the Child Assessment Team (CAT), ensuring timely and evidence-based interventions.
• Manage a varied caseload of Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and court cases in line with statutory requirements.
• Work directly with children, families, and multi-agency partners to safeguard children and promote positive outcomes.
• Prepare clear, analytical, and well-evidenced reports for child protection conferences, reviews, and court proceedings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, demonstrating robust case management and reflective practice.
• Participate in supervision, team discussions, and training provided through the Lambeth Social Work Academy.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and uphold the borough’s commitment to excellence in children’s social care.

About You

 
You are an experienced children’s social worker with 3+ years of CAT experience and a strong understanding of child protection and family assessment work. You demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. You’re organised, analytical, and confident in working within a fast-paced but supportive environment.  

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• At least three years’ experience working within a Child Assessment Team (CAT) or equivalent children’s services team.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, court processes, and assessment frameworks.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to attend the office at least twice a week and commute easily via public transport (no parking available on-site).
• Resilient, reliable, and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and families.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Lambeth
• Service Area: Children’s Services / Child Assessment Team (CAT)
• Contract Length: Ongoing
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – in-office twice a week
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time

What We Offer

• Access to Lambeth Social Work Academy with free training for both agency and permanent staff.
• Opportunities for career development across a range of specialist services.
• Strong partnerships with contextual safeguarding teams, court teams, early help services, and community organisations.
• A vibrant work culture with groups such as choir, yoga, bereavement support, and cycling safety schemes.
• Regular, supportive supervision and manageable caseloads.
• Excellent transport links for easy commuting.
• Hybrid working arrangements and a stable, supportive Senior Management Team.

How to Apply

 
If you’re a resilient and experienced Senior Social Worker ready to make a difference within Lambeth’s Children’s Services, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.