Children's social work is a rewarding career path that requires a unique set of skills, compassion, and dedication.
The role of a children’s social worker is more than just a job. At its heart, social work is about helping people; in any role, you will make a tangible difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.
By being a part of a child's life, you are playing a crucial role in shaping their future and helping them navigate through difficult situations. Your role is to ensure that the children you work with are safe, secure, and have the support they need to thrive.
Social workers are highly trained professionals who provide care and support to children and their families.
In many cases, social workers help keep families together, which is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job. There are many misconceptions about children's social work, but in reality, it can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling career.
"The Social Workers in Schools Project has revitalised my passion. The visibility of social workers in the community goes a long way to breaking down barriers. It’s important to understand the prevention role that we hold in helping keep families together."Social Worker in London
"The Social Workers in Schools Project has revitalised my passion. The visibility of social workers in the community goes a long way to breaking down barriers. It’s important to understand the prevention role that we hold in helping keep families together."
Social Worker in London
Social Work offers many professional development opportunities to grow and specialise.
Whether you have an interest in practice specialisms (such as child protection, safeguarding, fostering, adoption, mental health, substance abuse, sexual abuse, trafficking, or domestic violence), further education, coaching and mentoring, research, or leadership and management, there is a career pathway for you to explore these areas.
As a children's social worker, you will be provided with ongoing training and support to develop your skills and knowledge. This will ensure that you can provide the best possible care to children.
Working in children's social work in London offers you the opportunity to be part of a highly supportive and innovative work environment.
"My manager is brilliant. I feel really safe in my role. If I don’t get it right, then I can admit to making a mistake – there is not a punitive culture in the Local Authority."Social Work Manager
"My manager is brilliant. I feel really safe in my role. If I don’t get it right, then I can admit to making a mistake – there is not a punitive culture in the Local Authority."
Social Work Manager
London's 33 Councils also have the best collective Ofsted results of any region in the country, and the children's social work sector is constantly evolving. With new models of practice and innovation being developed all the time, Local Authorities take different approaches to working with children and families. However, they all share a focus on recognising the relationships that shape a child's life. You will have access to a wealth of resources and tools to help you succeed in your role. Read more about what makes London a great place to practice social work.
"Although there are different practice frameworks across London, the principles are the same which can be celebrated."Head of Social Work
"Although there are different practice frameworks across London, the principles are the same which can be celebrated."
Head of Social Work
To learn more about practice models in each London council you can explore each of their dedicated pages.
Everyone brings something different to their social worker role. In London, there is a place for a wide range of different qualities and life experiences that can make a difference to the lives of London's children. Here is what some of London's social workers have said about their experiences:
"My Service Manager knows and spends time with everyone, and is the first to congratulate the teams on good work. That visibility and presence has made a huge difference to morale."Newly Qualified Social Worker
"My Service Manager knows and spends time with everyone, and is the first to congratulate the teams on good work. That visibility and presence has made a huge difference to morale."
Newly Qualified Social Worker
"Group supervision is really good and helpful and provides that peer learning, provides shared experience and alleviates anxieties."Student Social Worker
"Group supervision is really good and helpful and provides that peer learning, provides shared experience and alleviates anxieties."
Student Social Worker
If you are looking for job satisfaction, a meaningful career, a chance to make a difference in someone's life, or all of these, then children's social work is the career for you; it offers a unique combination of personal and professional rewards.
In addition to the opportunity to make a difference, the rate of pay for children's social workers in London is competitive, and you will also have access to a range of benefits and perks, including relocation assistance for new recruits. Read more about our councils and their unique offers.
In London, you will have the opportunity to work in one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the world. London is a global hub, known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous theatres, galleries and live music spaces, diverse communities and an exciting food scene. London also benefits from many easily accessible green spaces that you can enjoy in your spare time. Read more about living in London.