Locum Safeguarding Senior Social Worker

Senior Social Worker – Children’s Social Work (CSW)

Location: London Borough of Lambeth

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Duration: 3 months

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking a confident and experienced Senior Social Worker to join our Children’s Social Work (CSW) service on a 3-month interim contract. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Lambeth’s continued improvement journey and to play a key role in delivering high-quality, relationship-based social work that supports and protects children and families across the borough.

As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll manage a complex caseload and provide professional leadership and mentoring within the team. You will be a key decision-maker, ensuring that children’s voices are central to all practice and that services are delivered effectively, collaboratively, and with compassion.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Undertake complex assessments of children and families in line with statutory duties, ensuring high standards of practice and professional integrity.
   

• Develop and implement outcome-focused Child in Need, Child Protection, and Care Plans that promote safety, stability, and wellbeing.
   

• Provide professional guidance, mentoring, and case advice to less experienced social workers within the team.
   

• Work collaboratively with families, carers, and partner agencies to ensure cohesive, holistic support for children and young people.
   

• Prepare detailed, evidence-based reports for court, case reviews, and multi-agency meetings.
   

• Lead on complex safeguarding cases, contributing to strategy meetings and case conferences where required.
   

• Champion relationship-based, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practice across all work.
   

• Ensure that all interventions reflect the child’s voice and lived experience.
   

• Maintain accurate, timely case recordings in accordance with statutory and local authority standards.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Degree in Social Work (DipSW, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent).
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Significant post-qualifying experience within children’s social care, particularly in safeguarding and complex case management.
   

• Proven ability to mentor, advise, and support junior colleagues, promoting reflective and best practice approaches.
   

• Comprehensive understanding of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and relevant guidance.
   

• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
   

• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
   

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment.

Why Join?

Lambeth Council is proud of its ongoing transformation in children’s services, focusing on strong leadership, relationship-based practice, and better outcomes for children and families. As part of a vibrant, diverse borough, you’ll work within a supportive, reflective culture that values professional growth and creativity in practice.

This 3-month interim position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine impact on children’s lives, working alongside a skilled and passionate team of professionals who are committed to delivering the highest standards of social work practice.

Interested? Apply today to join the London Borough of Lambeth as a Senior Social Worker and help shape brighter, safer futures for children and families across the community.