Senior Social Worker (Approved Mental Health Professional / Emergency Duty Team)

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is searching for a Senior Social Worker to join its Emergency Duty Team. This full-time role involves responding to urgent safeguarding concerns, conducting risk assessments, and arranging emergency care. Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience, be registered with Social Work England, and exhibit strong decision-making skills. This position offers substantial training opportunities and promotes diverse, equitable practices within the community.

Benefits

Up to 36 days leave after five years

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

London Living Wage minimum

Local government pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ post-qualifying experience in social work.
• Experience in diverse urban communities.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation such as Children Act and Mental Health Act.

Responsibilities

• Respond to urgent referrals for children, adults, and mental health crises.
• Undertake risk assessments and make evidence-based decisions.
• Provide expert advice on child protection and mental health legislation.

Skills

Risk assessment

Decision-making

Clear communication

IT systems competence

Anti-discriminatory practice

Education

Registration with Social Work England

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) status

Job description

About The Role

Grade PO4 | Full Time Role / Fixed Term contract - 12 months | Out-of-Hours Safeguarding

Are you an experienced social worker looking for a role where your expertise can make an immediate and lasting impact? Join Islington’s Emergency Duty Team and be part of a service that responds to urgent safeguarding concerns when others have gone home. This is a unique opportunity to work at the sharp end of social care — where your decisions protect lives and shape outcomes.

Whether you're supporting a child at risk, coordinating /undertaking emergency mental health assessments, or arranging urgent care for vulnerable adults, every shift presents new challenges and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

If you remain calm under pressure, work confidently on your own initiative, and are committed to safeguarding those most in need - we are keen to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Senior Social Worker in EDT, you’ll:

• Respond to urgent referrals involving children, adults, and mental health crises across Islington.
• Undertake risk assessments and make timely, evidence-based decisions.
• Arrange emergency placements and care packages, liaising with providers and professionals.
• Provide expert advice on child protection, statutory interventions, and mental health legislation.
• Work independently during out-of-hours shifts, with support from senior staff and partner agencies.

In return, you’ll have access to ongoing training and development opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of five years’ post-qualifying experience in social work across different specialisms.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Current status as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or eligibility to be appointed.
• Experience working in diverse, urban communities, ideally within an out of hours setting.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act, Mental Health Act, and Community Care frameworks.
• Excellent risk assessment and decision-making skills.
• Clear and confident communication, both written and verbal.
• Competence in using IT systems for case recording and coordination.
• A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and delivering services within an Equal Opportunities framework.

About the Team

You’ll be part of Islington’s Children and Young People’s Services, working under the guidance of the EDT Team Manager. The team provides out-of-hours statutory cover across children’s social care, adult services, and mental health to ensure that urgent safeguarding needs are met with professionalism, compassion, and clarity.

We’re proud of our borough’s ambition: to make Islington fairer and to be the best council in the country. Our values - Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering - shape everything we do. As part of EDT, you’ll embody these values in the moments that matter most.

If you’re ready to take on a role that’s challenging, rewarding, and vital to the safety of our residents, we are keen to hear from you.

For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact:

Name and Job Title: Jaspal Ranoo, Team Manager

Email: [e-mail]

Phone Number – 0207 527 7381

Note to Recruitment Agencies

We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.

Working for the team, service and our organisation

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t beclearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the boroughand as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, wehave to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to

a enhanced DBS check with children barred list, Social Work England/HCPC registration, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.