Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Experienced / Senior Social Worker – Children’s Services

Brief Job Overview

 
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Social Worker to join Children’s Services at the London Borough of Lambeth. This locum position is ideal for social workers with at least three years of post-qualified experience who are passionate about bringing positive change and stability to the lives of children and families across the borough. You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, supportive service that values compassion, flexibility, and professional excellence.  

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of Child in Need (CIN), Child Protection (CP), and Looked After Children (LAC) cases, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.
• Undertake robust assessments and develop effective care plans that deliver sustainable outcomes for children and families.
• Engage with families using a relationship-based approach to build trust and promote positive change.
• Prepare high-quality reports and attend court proceedings where required.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Early Help, Court, and Contextual Safeguarding Teams to ensure joined-up, effective interventions.
• Contribute to reflective supervision, team learning, and service development.
• Demonstrate resilience, initiative, and the ability to respond to challenges with pace and empathy.

About You

 
You are an agile, flexible, and compassionate social worker who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring a minimum of three years of post-qualified experience in children’s social care and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families. You’re confident managing complex cases, working collaboratively, and maintaining a strong focus on quality practice and professional integrity.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum of three years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social work (CIN, CP, or LAC).
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice guidance.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Resilient, compassionate, and adaptable to the demands of frontline practice.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Lambeth
• Service Area: Children’s Services
• Contract Length: Ongoing
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum two days per week in the office
• Working Hours: Full-time

What We Offer

• Accessible, stable, and visible leadership across Children’s Services.
• Assured TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) and flexible working arrangements with line manager agreement.
• Work-life balance prioritised alongside service needs.
• Comprehensive induction through the Lambeth Social Care Academy.
• Agile IT systems that support efficient working from anywhere.
• Centralised resource support, allowing more time for meaningful family work.
• Regular, supportive supervision and personal development opportunities.
• Caseloads capped at approximately 15 children, with regular reviews by the leadership team.
• Risk-sharing culture supported through panels and meetings led by senior managers.
• Free training via the Lambeth Social Work Academy for agency and permanent staff.
• Career development opportunities across multiple services (subject to compliance).
• Strong partnership with Contextual Safeguarding, Court, and Early Help Teams, as well as community-based organisations.

How to Apply

 
If you are a committed, experienced Social Worker ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Lambeth, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.