Are you a Social Worker passionate about making a difference in children’s lives?
Do you believe in the power of relationships to bring about meaningful change for children, young people and families?
Are you a dedicated and passionate Social Worker looking to make a real difference
If yes, we have a great opportunity for you!
We are currently seeking Social Workers to join us in the 0 - 15 Care Service as we embark on an exciting new journey.
About the Role:
This is a unique opportunity to help shape and create a service that truly reflects the needs of our children and young people - one that we can all be proud of.
We are looking for a dynamic and committed Social Workers who are passionate about improving outcomes and ready to contribute to the development of a refreshed and responsive Service.
Working in the Care Service in Southwark means being part of a service that is committed to relationship-based practice, high support and high challenge, and a culture of learning, reflection and kindness. We value creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our children. You’ll be joining a service that is ambitious, inclusive and focused on continuous improvement.
Working in the Care Service in Southwark means being part of a Service where you are truly valued and supported to grow. We believe that great social work happens when practitioners feel safe, encouraged and inspired. You’ll be joining a service that invests in its people - where your voice matters and your professional journey is nurtured every step of the way.
Support offered includes:
Our Children’s Services have been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted for over a decade, and we continue to strive for excellence in our practice and the best possible outcomes for our children and families.
We have a well-embedded practice framework, underpinned by our above principles. We make extensive use of systemic and strengths-based practices, as well as restorative and attachment-informed approaches.
This was noted by Ofsted in 2017 who said “Southwark attracts experienced, high-quality social workers who are keen to work in small units that employ systemic methods…”
In 2019 we had a focused visit it was noted ‘Progress has been made since the last inspection in ensuring that permanence is routinely considered when planning for children’. Social Workers will be supported to ensure that all children achieve permanence within the required timescales to ensure that there is no drift.
About you:
As a social worker you will be key in ensuring the welfare and assessed needs of those whom we support making sure they are managed in a safe and inclusive way.
We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and motivated social workers to join our service. You will adopt a strength-based, person-centred approach to your work and be able to balance challenging demands whilst growing and developing in your practice.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative.
We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Contact Information:
If you’d like to discuss further, please get in touch with Nina Lehmann (Service Manager, 0-16 Care Service) via email at Nina.Lehmann@southwark.gov.uk or Elaine Reid (Head of Service) at elaine.reid@southwark.gov.uk
Additional Information:
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