Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker
London, Greater London
Senior Social Worker / Advanced Practitioner – Duty & Assessment
Brief Job Overview
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Social Worker / Advanced Practitioner to join the Duty & Assessment Team at Barnet Council. This locum position is ideal for a resilient and dynamic practitioner with at least three years’ experience in duty and assessment work. You will be part of a fast-paced, supportive service responsible for undertaking high-quality assessments and ensuring timely interventions to safeguard children and support families.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake timely and proportionate assessments of children and families referred to the Duty & Assessment Service.
- Respond to new referrals, conduct Section 47 enquiries, and assess levels of need and risk in line with statutory frameworks.
- Develop and implement effective care and support plans based on sound analysis and evidence-based practice.
- Work collaboratively with families and multi-agency partners to ensure children’s safety and promote positive outcomes.
- Prepare analytical and clear reports for case conferences, court proceedings, and other statutory meetings.
- Provide mentoring and professional guidance to less experienced social workers within the team.
- Maintain accurate, high-quality records and ensure all practice meets local authority and national standards.
- Participate fully in the team’s duty rota, ensuring swift and effective responses during duty week.
About You
You are a confident and capable social worker with substantial experience in Duty & Assessment. You bring sound judgement, excellent assessment skills, and the ability to work at pace in a challenging but supportive environment. You are solution-focused, compassionate, and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Minimum of three years’ post-qualified experience within a Duty & Assessment team.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and thresholds of intervention.
- Excellent assessment, report-writing, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage complex workloads effectively and meet statutory timescales.
- Committed to working collaboratively and promoting a child-centred approach to practice.
Contract & Salary
- Job Type: Locum
- Location: Barnet Council
- Team: Duty & Assessment
- Contract Length: Ongoing
- Working Pattern: Hybrid – 1–2 days per week in the office; full attendance required during duty week (1 week in 4)
- Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
- Working Hours: Full-time
How to Apply
If you are a skilled and experienced Senior Social Worker or Advanced Practitioner ready to take on an exciting and meaningful role within Barnet Council’s Duty & Assessment Team, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply using the form on the page.