At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support children in a vibrant, diverse community.
- Company: Lewisham Council, committed to inclusivity and social justice.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work, registered with Social Work England, and frontline experience.
The predicted salary is between 51831 - 53994 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
An exciting opportunity is available as part of the DfE Pathfinder project. We are seeking an experienced social worker to become a Senior Practitioner in one of the newly established Multi Agency Child Protection Teams.
This role will play a key part in supporting the development of the team and is an exciting opportunity to influence social work practice on a local and national level. The successful candidate will be able to work effectively across the multi-agency partnership to ensure the safeguarding of children in Lewisham.
The Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams will be responsible for the following core areas of work:
- Chair or attend all strategy discussions
- Co-work all s47 enquiries with Family Help
- Co-work all child protection cases with Family Help
- Chairing of child protection conferences
- Provide QA, consultation & advice across all stages of child protection work
- Co-work all Public Law Outline cases
- Co-work early stages of care proceedings
The successful candidate will have considerable experience of working in frontline operational safeguarding practice and a thorough knowledge of child protection and PLO/court processes and accompanying legislation. You will be experienced in building effective working relationships with key partner agencies such as health, education and the police.
The Senior Social Worker will sit within the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and will have responsibilities in working alongside members of the Family Help service where there are concerns regarding significant harm to children. This is a crucial role which requires strong practice knowledge and experience, and a proactive approach to contribute to a positive team culture within a multi-agency staff group.
Those applying for this post will need to have:
- Minimum 2 years post qualifying experience in frontline safeguarding practice
- Experience working with families in PLO and care proceedings
- Experience in supervising or developing less experienced staff
The person applying must have a thorough technical knowledge of the requirements of Working Together 2023, the Pan London Child Protection Procedures and other relevant safeguarding statutory guidance. A track record of working within practice improvement and an in-depth understanding of the Signs of Safety practice framework are essential.
You will work alongside your team to promote and deliver the objective, that all children and young people in Lewisham are safe and reach their full potential. You will need to be a skilled and reflective practitioner with a clear vision of what good practice with children and families looks like. You will be able to make effective decisions regarding children’s safety and use your skills to support change and improvement. You will need to be a registered social worker and have recent proven frontline operational experience and be able to demonstrate your experience, skill, and ability to think strategically and embed the strategic objectives into operational practice. You will need to evidence reflective and creative practice. A child-focused approach is essential, ensuring that the views of Lewisham children are central to developing and delivering services.
In Lewisham Children’s Social Care, we know what good social work looks like and we are passionate about creating the right conditions and culture for good practice to thrive. Families are respected and supported to stay together, whenever there is safety. Families will tell us they understand why we are involved. Children will tell us their social worker has made a difference to their lives. Children who are in our care know we care and we won’t give up on them. Young people who have been in our care feel confident about their future.
A core value of Lewisham Council is to 'draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham'. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
If you want to work in a thriving borough and our social work vision connects with your professional values, then we are interested in hearing from you. We are looking for people to join our team who:
- Value the importance of communication and seeking feedback
- Can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead
- Are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service
- Are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way
- Work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths
- Take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions
- Are transparent, are appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
To apply for this post, you must have a degree in social work or equivalent qualification and be registered with Social Work England. The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs.
Lewisham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Salary: £51,831 - £53,994 per annum (SSW/ SCP 35-37). N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Senior Social Worker - MACPT in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
The Borough of Lewisham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With excellent training opportunities and a strong emphasis on collaboration, staff are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Working in Lewisham not only provides a chance to contribute to service development but also fosters a sense of belonging through various supportive networks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - MACPT in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Lewisham.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Lewisham!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Lewisham, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Lewisham or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - MACPT in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Lewisham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Lewisham! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
