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- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families through assessments and collaboration with multi-agency partners.
- Company: Join Southwark's Children's Services, dedicated to safeguarding and supporting families in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 12-month fixed term contract with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic, innovative team.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you see yourself making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Can you use your experience to support and protect some of Southwark’s most vulnerable children? If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Children’s Services division is looking for a dedicated Specialist Social Worker to join our dynamic team and help make a lasting impact.
About the Role: We are seeking a passionate and experienced Specialist Social Worker to join Southwark’s Children’s Services. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead work in three specialist areas:
- Southwark Judgement – supporting young people where housing status intersects with safeguarding concerns.
- Pre-Birth Assessments – ensuring timely and robust early intervention for unborn children and their families.
- Intentionally Homeless Families – working with families deemed intentionally homeless to ensure children's welfare remains central.
As a Specialist Social Worker, you will:
- Undertake complex assessments and ensure children’s needs are prioritised regardless of housing status.
- Coordinate and lead pre-birth assessments alongside midwives and early help professionals.
- Address safeguarding concerns with families experiencing housing instability.
- Collaborate with housing, legal, and multi-agency partners to deliver holistic, child-centred outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records in line with statutory guidance.
- Contribute to the development of best practice within this specialist area.
This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.
About You: You are a committed and experienced practitioner who thrives in complex, multi-disciplinary environments and is passionate about early intervention, safeguarding, and achieving the best outcomes for children.
You will need to have:
- A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- At least 2 years of post-qualification experience in statutory children’s services.
- Proven expertise in child protection, pre-birth assessments, and court work.
- Strong knowledge of the Southwark Judgement and its impact on social work practice.
- Experience supporting families facing housing instability or homelessness.
- Excellent communication, critical thinking, and report-writing skills.
- The ability to manage high-pressure situations and prioritise competing demands.
About the Team: You’ll join a motivated and skilled group of professionals in a specialist team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The team is focused on safeguarding children and supporting families through integrated and relationship-based practice.
This is a 12 month fixed term contract. Enhanced DBS required.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Abi Omodeni or Victor Dadzie.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities.
Social Worker - Southwark Judgement, Pre-Birth & Intentionally Homeless Families employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Southwark Judgement, Pre-Birth & Intentionally Homeless Families
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Southwark Judgement and its implications for social work practice. Understanding this will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in children's services or social work within Southwark. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and current challenges, which you can reference during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific case studies from your experience that highlight your skills in child protection and pre-birth assessments. Real-life examples will showcase your expertise and ability to handle complex situations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the contacts provided in the job listing for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Southwark Judgement, Pre-Birth & Intentionally Homeless Families
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Specialist Social Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in child protection, pre-birth assessments, and working with families facing housing instability.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your post-qualification experience in statutory children's services. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases and collaborated with multi-agency partners to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your excellent communication, critical thinking, and report-writing skills in your application. Use specific examples to illustrate how you have effectively prioritised competing demands and managed high-pressure situations in your previous roles.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for safeguarding and early intervention. Mention your understanding of the Southwark Judgement and how it influences your approach to social work, making sure to connect your values with those of the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Specialist Social Worker in Southwark. Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of focus, such as the Southwark Judgement and pre-birth assessments, so you can discuss how your experience aligns with these needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in statutory children's services, particularly in child protection and working with families facing housing instability. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and how it relates to the role.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in social work. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with multi-agency partners and communicated complex information to families. This will show your ability to work within a team and advocate for children's welfare.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would approach them, especially regarding safeguarding concerns and managing high-pressure situations.
