At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through assessments and guidance in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, retention bonus, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while growing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered social worker with assessment experience.
The predicted salary is between 41133 - 52194 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO1 - PO4 £41,133 - £52,194
Retention Bonus/ Market Supplement: This position will attract the retention bonus of £3000 per year in two instalments of £1500
Contract Type: Full-time/Fixed Term (12 months)
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 15/06/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): TBC
Reference: 2152
About Us:
Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.
London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.
About the role:
Reporting to the Permanence & Post Order Advanced Practitioner/Team manager, to hold a caseload of assessments and/or support cases in Permanence and Post Order Support Team. To ensure that the necessary assessments (Viability/Regulation 24 & 25/Connected Person/SGO) are completed to a high standard within court timelines, predicated on sound judgement and decision making, safeguard children and young people and achieve the best possible outcomes. To ensure that practice is in accordance with the relevant legislation, regulations, and guidance. To exemplify best practice and apply professional rigour to assessment and/or support cases. To attend Practice Support Group and provide professional advice and case-related guidance to social workers and other professionals, sharing knowledge, skills, and behaviours to develop the practice of others. The Permanence Social Worker will maintain accurate case related records. This is a fixed-term position to provide maternity cover, anticipated to last for 12 months. However, applicants should be aware that the duration of the contract may be subject to change. In the event that the employee currently on maternity leave decides to return to work earlier than originally indicated, the contract may be terminated with appropriate notice in accordance with the terms of employment.
Key Responsibilities:
- To exemplify expert and best practice in relation to assessment and/or support cases of varying complexity
- The relevant assessments (Viability/Connected Person/SGO) are completed to a high standard and to required timescales.
- Assessments accurately identify need/s and vary in complexity
- Practice complies with the relevant legislation, regulations, and practice standards and risks of varying complexity are well managed/mitigated effectively
- Professional advice and other case-related guidance is provided to team members
- Regular attendance/contribution to Practice Support Group.
- Hold a caseload including kinship assessments and delivery of support services to Kinship carers.
- Carry out all duties with an awareness and understanding of the Safeguarding requirements within area of responsibility
- Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant theories/models and incorporate these into professional practice, PSG discussion and case-related guidance to others
- A critical knowledge of the range of social work-related theories and models is demonstrated in professional practice and case-related guidance (including PSG) to social workers and other professionals
Qualifications and Requirements:
To be considered for this position, you should meet the following requirements:
- Professional registration with the relevant body (Social Work England)
- Experience of completing the assessments
- Knowledge of Fostering/Connected carers and Special Guardianship area
Terms and conditions:
The below terms and conditions apply to this role:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks;
- Satisfactory declaration of interest;
- This role is subject to safer recruitment practices as it involves work with children and/or vulnerable adults;
- Satisfactory DBS check;
- Continued professional body registration;
- As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Ioana.Furcovici@walthamforest.gov.uk or Rita.Wright@walthamforest.gov.uk. If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post, please contact our Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk.
The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative application method.
**INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY** Social Worker in Walthamstow employer: Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that champions diversity and inclusion. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and a retention bonus, the Council fosters a culture of support and innovation, making it an ideal place for social workers to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land **INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY** Social Worker in Walthamstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. They might have insights or even inside info about the role that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in social work. We want to see you shine, so be ready to discuss how you can exemplify expert practice in your assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding children and young people during the interview. Share examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to achieving the best outcomes for those you support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace **INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY** Social Worker in Walthamstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so be specific about your relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of the relevant legislation and best practices in social work. We’re looking for candidates who can exemplify expert practice, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your points concise. This helps us quickly grasp your qualifications and makes a great impression.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and regulations that govern social work practice. Being able to discuss how these apply to your previous experiences will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Assessments Experience
Prepare specific examples of assessments you've completed, especially in areas like Viability or Special Guardianship Orders. Be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making skills during these assessments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working within a team, especially in a Practice Support Group setting. Discuss how you’ve provided guidance to colleagues and contributed to their professional development, as teamwork is key in this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your judgement and decision-making skills. Think about past situations where you had to manage complex cases and be prepared to articulate your approach and the outcomes.
