At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children using trauma-informed approaches to improve wellbeing.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a leader in community support and diversity.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families facing challenges.
- Qualifications: 2+ years post-qualifying Social Work experience and safeguarding knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 45852 - 47925 £ 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.
We’re looking for experienced and dynamic Social Workers to join our specialist Family Wellbeing Team, part of our innovative Family Help service. Our team provides intensive, multi‑disciplinary support to improve the safety and wellbeing of children whose parents or carers are impacted by drug or alcohol use—offering earlier, easier access to the right help and reducing the need for traditional child protection processes.
As a Social Worker, you will work directly with children, young people and their families using relational, trauma‑informed and strength‑based approaches. You will contribute to high‑quality assessments and interventions, build strong multi‑agency partnerships, and support families to make sustainable changes. You’ll also take an active role in reflective practice within the team, helping to develop innovative approaches to supporting families affected by substance misuse.
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
What we’re looking for:
- A minimum of 2 years post-qualifying Social Work practice and experience of managing a frontline safeguarding caseload
- Working with parents who have complex needs where there is a risk of significant harm to their children
- Completing parenting assessments – or other assessments of parents regarding the safety and well-being of children for use in the Family Proceedings Court
- Using the Signs of Safety practice framework to structure your assessments and interventions with families
- Completing family network meetings to achieve the safety and well-being of children
- Understanding of child protection processes, pre-proceedings and giving evidence in the Family Proceedings Court.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House in Catford SE6. There are 2 local train stations 3-5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop right by the office. We operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Must be 2 years post qualified for this role. The job is subject to a DBS check (Basic/Enhanced).
Diversity: 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.
Social Worker - Family Help South in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
Join Lewisham Council as a Social Worker and be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of families within our vibrant, culturally diverse community. With excellent training and development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and family-friendly policies, you will thrive in an environment that champions innovation and collaboration. Located conveniently in Catford, with easy access to public transport, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful change while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Help South in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Lewisham Council and their Family Help service. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the team culture and what it’s really like to work there, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around safeguarding and working with families. Practise your responses so you can speak confidently about your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the person specification criteria—this is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Family Help South in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the role. Highlight how your skills and experiences meet each of the criteria listed in the person specification. We love seeing genuine connections between your background and our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on conveying your message effectively—this will help us understand your qualifications better.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to complete your application successfully right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Signs of Safety practice framework and child protection processes. Brush up on your knowledge about working with families affected by substance misuse, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience managing safeguarding caseloads and completing parenting assessments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your interest in the Family Wellbeing Team and the innovative approaches they use. Inquire about their current challenges or successes, which can lead to a deeper conversation and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Reflective Practice Matters
Be ready to discuss how you engage in reflective practice and how it has shaped your approach to social work. Sharing insights on how you’ve learned from past experiences will illustrate your commitment to professional development and your ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
