For roles in our Assessment & Intervention and Safeguarding & Family Support teams, we are offering for a time limited period a Welcome Payment of £3000 for joining Southwark, followed by a retention payment of £2400 per year for your first two years, and £3600 after three years.
We are seeking outstanding Senior Social workers to join our Safeguarding & Family Support, Assessment & Intervention and Care services, who have the professional potential and personal attributes that our families need, can share our commitment to improving outcomes for all children and young people and tackling injustice, inequality and racism.
We’ll assign you a manageable number of cases that allow your natural skills and expertise to flourish. You will:
Work directly with children and provide a clear and accurate assessment of the needs of the child and their family
Conduct interviews, develop observations and gather information from children, families and other agencies as directed by the Team Manager
Devise, implement and review plans, including the development and management of protection plans within a child protection framework, care and pathway plans.
Ensure all statutory responsibilities are well managed, including visiting children, arranging reviews and reporting to the court.
Carry out in-depth, ongoing evidence based assessment of complex needs and risks to children
We’re looking for impressive experience of direct social work with children and their families. You’ll also bring:
The ability to formulate and implement effective social work interventions
Experience of preparing reports and presenting these in contested court proceedings
The ability to provide professional guidance, support and development opportunities and contribute to organisational development
A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
At least three years post qualifying experience in a social work role within a statutory setting, working with children and families, and attendance at appropriate training
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.  Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
At Southwark Children’s Services, we pride ourselves on doing our vital job differently. Our systemic, holistic, family-centred approach sits at the core of our values. And our endlessly supportive, collective, culture underpins everything we do to protect vulnerable children across our borough.
Southwark is a great place to grow and develop as a social worker. We continue to provide fantastic career progression opportunities. Supported by great partnerships and resources we are always growing and developing what we do through innovation, investment in our workforce and, most importantly, listening to children and families, and those that work with them.
Our offer to staff includes:
competitive remuneration packages
the opportunity to work in a vibrant borough in the heart of London with excellent access to Central London and easy transport links to the South East
a multi-cultural and diverse working environment, which provides excellent opportunities for enhancing your skills
modern digital plan with technology to support flexible working arrangements
professional development and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities through an established and extensive learning and development plan and opportunities.
opportunities to train as a Practice Educator and develop experience with student
clinical practitioners attached to every team to support you as an individual and your work with children and families.
culture of innovation and a ‘can do’ approach to problem solving in Social Care
stable, supportive leadership; Southwark has a lower ratio of workers to managers than most local authorities
small teams with supportive managers and manageable caseload
travel season ticket loans, cycle scheme, essential user care parking permits and local government pension
family friendly, flexible and agile working, from home or on-site
wellbeing programme, HSF Health plan and eye care scheme, EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support, and access to subsidised HSF health plan
If you are interested in having an informal discussion about this role, or working in children’s social care in Southwark, please contact Dan Comach, our Principal Social Worker at daniel.comach@southwark.gov.uk