Senior Social Worker

My Social Work News; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the First Response Team in Harrow. This role is pivotal in managing complex cases and leading initial assessments to safeguard vulnerable children and families. You'll work collaboratively with various agencies, ensuring the highest standards of practice while providing mentorship to junior staff. With flexible working options and a supportive environment, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in children's lives while advancing your professional development. If you're passionate about social work and want to contribute to meaningful change, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working options

Supportive team environment

Ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications

• Recognized Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England required.
• Significant experience in frontline children’s social care teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex cases and conduct thorough assessments to safeguard children.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners to meet the needs of families.

Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of UK Legislation

Education

Degree/Diploma in Social Work

Tools

DBS Check

Job description

Job Description:

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Social Worker to join the First Response Team in Harrow. The First Response Team is the frontline of Harrow’s children’s services, responding to new referrals and providing timely interventions to safeguard and support children, young people, and families. As a Senior Social Worker, you will play a pivotal role in managing complex cases, supporting junior staff, and ensuring the highest standards of practice are delivered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Manage a complex and varied caseload, conducting thorough assessments, making timely decisions, and providing appropriate interventions to safeguard children and families. Use a strengths-based approach to work with children, families, and other professionals to develop effective plans for safeguarding and support.
• Initial Assessments: Lead and undertake initial assessments and Section 47 child protection enquiries in line with statutory guidelines and local authority procedures. Make critical decisions quickly and effectively to ensure children’s immediate safety and wellbeing. Assess and manage risk, ensuring that safeguarding concerns are identified, prioritised, and addressed. Work collaboratively with families, carers, and other agencies to develop risk management plans that protect children and support families to improve outcomes.
• Partnership Working: Work closely with multi-agency partners, including health, education, police, and other professionals, to ensure that services are coordinated, and that the needs of children and families are met. Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, strategy discussions, and case conferences.
• Court Work: Prepare high-quality reports for court and attend court hearings as required. Lead on court proceedings, ensuring that evidence is presented professionally and that recommendations for children’s welfare are clearly communicated.
• Supervision & Support: Provide support, advice, and mentoring to less experienced social workers and family support workers within the team. Assist the Team Manager in ensuring that the team operates efficiently, providing guidance on complex cases and promoting professional development among colleagues.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all work undertaken is of high quality, in line with local authority policies, statutory requirements, and best practice. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, ensuring compliance with audit and quality assurance processes.
• Service Development: Contribute to the development of the First Response Team by identifying areas for improvement, sharing knowledge, and implementing changes that enhance the service. Promote innovative approaches to practice and support the embedding of new initiatives within the team.

Qualifications:

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/Diploma in Social Work, or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England.

Experience:

• Significant post-qualification experience in a frontline children’s social care team, with demonstrable experience of working within a First Response, MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub), or similar context. Proven ability to manage complex cases, including child protection, safeguarding, and court work.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of UK legislation, policies, and statutory guidance related to children’s social work, including the Children Act 1989, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and relevant child protection procedures. Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, with a clear focus on achieving positive outcomes for children and families.

Other Requirements:

• A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable, as travel within the borough may be required. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Why Join the First Response Team in Harrow?

The First Response Team in Harrow is committed to delivering high-quality services at the frontline of children’s social care. As a Senior Social Worker, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families, while being supported in your professional development.

You will benefit from:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid working.
• A supportive team environment, with regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your career.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and families and have the skills and experience required to thrive in this challenging role, we would love to hear from you.

Please note, this job is managed by Sanctuary Personnel on behalf of its client. If you apply, Sanctuary Personnel will receive your details and be in touch to progress your application.

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