Senior Social Worker

Tripod Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority in Richmond is seeking a Senior Mental Health Social Worker to lead practice and support staff in delivering person-centred services. The role requires extensive experience in adult mental health and knowledge of relevant legislation. The successful candidate will manage a complex caseload and supervise junior staff. The position offers an excellent opportunity to further develop leadership skills in a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualifying experience in adult mental health is required.
• Knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act is necessary.
• Ability to manage complex cases and support junior colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and promote high standards of practice.
• Supervise staff and foster their development.
• Manage a complex caseload of approximately 15 cases.
• Act as a Safeguarding Adult Manager for high-risk cases.
• Support day-to-day team operations.
• Manage duty as part of a rota.

Skills

Experience with complex mental health needs

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Education

Registered Social Worker

Job description

Senior Mental Health Social Worker

Richmond Mental Health Social Care Team

Up to £35 per hour

The London Borough of Richmond and Wandsworth (Adult Social Care) is seeking a dedicated Senior Mental Health Social Worker to join the Richmond Mental Health Social Care Team. This is an excellent opportunity to combine advanced practice with staff supervision and management support, driving high standards in adult mental health provision.

The Role

Based at the Twickenham Civic Centre, the Senior Social Worker plays a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of a person-centred service for adults with an enduring mental health diagnosis and their carers.

Key responsibilities

• Practice Leadership : Taking a lead role in promoting high standards of front‑line practice across the team, modelling excellent social work skills and decision‑making.
• Staff Supervision : Providing professional supervision of staff, including Social Workers and Social Care Assessors, fostering their development and ensuring quality outputs.
• Caseload Management : Managing a complex caseload of approximately 15 cases, focusing on those with the highest level of complexity and risk, while maintaining a high level of professional service.
• Safeguarding Management : Acting as a Safeguarding Adult Manager (SAM) for Section 42 (S42) enquiries (safeguarding), leading on high‑risk complex cases and ensuring statutory compliance.
• Management Support : Supporting the Assistant Team Manager and Team Manager in the day‑to‑day operation of the team.
• Duty Management : Being responsible for managing duty as part of a rota, ensuring urgent and immediate needs are addressed promptly and effectively.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a registered Social Worker with significant post‑qualifying experience in adult mental health. You will demonstrate :

• Extensive experience working with adults with complex and enduring mental health needs.
• Expert knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act, particularly in relation to S42 safeguarding duties.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases, risk, and to support the decision‑making of junior colleagues.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• A commitment to the principles of co‑production, recovery, and strengths‑based practice.
• Prior experience in staff supervision or mentoring is highly desirable.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute your leadership and expertise to a high‑performing team in Richmond, we encourage you to apply.