Social Worker - Safeguarding
This role is subject to an additional annual Market Supplement of £4,000 subject to final confirmation.
This is a pivotal time to join Havering. The borough is entering a new phase of transformation following a recent Ofsted inspection, with a clear vision to re-establish strong, safe and supported practice. This role sits within the Starting Well service and offers an opportunity to contribute to lasting change for children and families across the borough.
Safeguarding Social Workers play a central role in Havering’s mission to improve outcomes for its children and young people. With manageable caseloads, strong leadership, and access to a dedicated Social Care Academy, this is a role for those who want to focus on high-quality, child-centred social work. The council is investing in its staff and seeking professionals who are committed to safe, evidence-based practice and long-term improvement.
- Manage a varied caseload of complex child protection, child in need, and looked after cases
- Lead assessments, care planning, and direct work with children and families
- Work closely with partners to co-ordinate interventions and protect vulnerable children
- Attend multi-agency meetings and court hearings to represent the service
- Record and analyse information in line with legislative and policy frameworks
- Receive regular supervision and learning opportunities through the Social Care Academy
Havering is seeking confident, capable and compassionate social workers who are ready to help drive positive change in the borough. This role requires strong safeguarding knowledge, sound professional judgement, and a commitment to reflective practice. Whether already experienced or looking to build on early post-ASYE years, this is a supportive setting in which to grow and develop.
The ideal candidate will be resilient, curious, and willing to be part of a wider culture of learning and improvement. If you're passionate about delivering purposeful interventions that make a difference and want to work somewhere where your impact is recognised, this is the right role for you.
- Qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England
- Experience in statutory children’s services, including child protection and court work
- Strong knowledge of child development, safeguarding legislation and systemic approaches
- Skilled in critical thinking, analysis and communication across agencies
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
- Committed to continuous professional development and learning
A message from our director:
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people, and families? Do you have a strong desire to be part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of Havering’s community? If so, we invite you to join us in our mission to elevate our local authority's Children's Social Care Services, situated within our Starting Well Department.
Following our recent inadequate Ofsted inspection, we are embarking on an improvement journey where we aim to re-establish and reinvigorate great practice across all our services delivered in Havering. As part of this journey, we are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic social care practitioners ready to make a meaningful difference, driven by a genuine desire to advocate for children, promote their well-being, and who are not afraid to take on the challenge of working for a local authority who have been inspected by Ofsted as inadequate.
In return, we want to offer you the opportunity to develop your skills through our dedicated 10 days of learning a year offer and access to our very own Social Care Academy and Systemic offer. We are committed to creating an environment where every child receives the best possible support and care, and all staff are supported to thrive and excel in safe, supported, and nurturing environments.
Our Senior leaders have worked on an improvement plan, and if you are ready to embrace this challenge and play a pivotal role in shaping our journey, we encourage you to apply.
We look forward to welcoming individuals who share our vision and drive.
Havering is an outer London borough like no other. Sitting in Northeast London (Zone 6), we have three Crossrail stations in borough which means we are only 30 minutes from Oxford Street. We are well connected to the hustle and bustle of the city, whilst just a short drive or bus ride from the surrounding Essex countryside and coast, giving our residents the best of both city and rural living.
It’s no wonder that we have one of the fastest growing and increasingly diverse child populations in the country, who benefit from living in one of the greenest areas in London. We have some amazing parks, 16 of which have green flag award status, and we are served by a rich mix of foundation, community, voluntary aided and academy schools with great Ofsted ratings.
Havering Town Hall, which hosts our main offices, is in the centre of Romford - our largest town and home to a vibrant street market dating back to 1247. Our offices are a 5 minute walk from the main shopping centres which host a range of popular shops, restaurants and gyms.
We are also unique in our political makeup, with Havering Residents’ Association working to make a Havering you want to be part of.
We are dedicated to creating the right conditions to support our social care practitioners to thrive by fostering an environment where you can develop your skills and knowledge alongside like-minded individuals. We value our employees and offer a range of benefits:
- We are a family-friendly employer and welcome applications for part time roles at 0.5 full time equivalent
- £4,000 annual market supplement payment for Social Workers, Advanced Practitioners, Team Managers and Service Managers
- A tailored training programme along with development opportunities through our very own dedicated Social Care Academy and corporate offer of 10 days of learning per year
- Access to accredited systemic training and in-house practice application workshops
- A commitment to achieving and maintaining manageable caseloads
- Generous local government pension scheme and leave entitlement
- Subsidised parking at various council-owned car parks across the borough
- Modern workplace equipped with the latest technology
- A strong corporate health and wellbeing offer, discounted gym membership, employee assistance programme and much more
- Annual staff recognition schemes (STAR awards and Social Care awards) celebrating and recognising staff commitment and achievement 
- Access to a range of staff forums including LGBTQI+, B.A.M.E., Faith, Ability, Women’s, and Men’s forums.
If you have any questions about applying, please contact Talent Team: Talent@havering.gov.uk