At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families while mentoring a team of social workers.
- Company: Join Lambeth, a vibrant community dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 35 days leave, hybrid working, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work with children and strong mentoring skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with ongoing training and support for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 49300 £ per year.
Overview
Lambeth is looking for a highly motivated and influential Advanced Practitioner for our Family Support and Child Protection Service (FSCP) to help us achieve our vision of making Lambeth one of the best places in the world for children and young people to grow up. As an Advanced Practitioner for the Family Support and Child Protection Service, you will support the Team Manager of a busy team of 6 social workers (including one ASYE). This is a case holding role; however you will carry a reduced caseload.
You will support Team Managers with day-to-day management tasks and performance under the direction and supervision of the Team Manager. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Provision of support, advice, mentoring and modelling high standards of professional social work practice to newly qualified and less experienced staff in complex/high risk cases.
- Provide professional, reflective supervision and support to staff as relevant to the needs of the team (e.g., staff induction, newly qualified social workers, students).
- Jointly work with newly qualified/less experienced social workers and provide management instructions and to be accountable for the work of these colleagues on such cases.
Due to the nature of the work with vulnerable children, families, and carers some work beyond normal office hours is required from time to time. It is expected that you will work flexibly in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job and participate as required in multi-disciplinary cross-department and cross-organisational groups and task teams.
In return, the Advanced Practitioner will be part of a friendly and supportive management and leadership group and have access to training opportunities and receive monthly supervision with the Team Manager.
About You
We are looking for a compassionate, resilient, and experienced individual who has worked with children, young people, and their families in challenging circumstances. The ideal candidate will have:
- A deep understanding of the developmental stages of children and the impact of trauma, neglect and abuse.
- Proficiency in child protection legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
- The ability to build trust and rapport with children, young people and parents, encouraging openness and honest dialogue.
- Resilience to deal with the demands of a fast-paced environment and quick turnaround of work.
- Creative problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions for challenging situations, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and families.
- Experience in providing guidance and supervision to less experienced colleagues, supporting their development.
- A drive for improving practice and performance in the team and modelling best practice.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development, staying up to date with the latest research, policies, and best practices in children's services.
About the Borough
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. We offer exceptional schools, green spaces, cultural gems and world-renowned institutions.
Why Lambeth
- Fantastic, modern working environment in the award-winning Lambeth Town Hall and Civic Centre buildings.
- Competitive Salaries.
- Up to 35 days annual leave, dependent upon continuous service.
- 5 Minutes from London Underground and excellent transport links into the centre of London.
- Hybrid/Flexible working.
- Cycle to Work Scheme (including City Bike Hire scheme).
- Attractive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Discounts at local restaurants.
- Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms.
If you have any queries in relation to this job vacancy, please contact the Assistant Director: Maura Banda, mbanda@lambeth.gov.uk.
We are a Stonewall diversity champion; a Living Wage Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs.
In addition, you will also be required to undertake a Cifas check from the Fraud Prevention organisation. Further information can be found here https://www.cifas.org.uk/.
Please note we operate an anonymised application process. When uploading your Supporting Statement and CV, please use the 'cover letter' link and remove your personal details. You must upload a Supporting Statement and CV for your application to be considered.
Interested? Click on the apply button and complete an on-line application, along with uploading your Supporting Statement and CV, explicitly evidencing how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an 'A' on the job specification.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in hyperlink below: JD and Person Specification.
Closing Date: 30th November 2025 at midnight. Lambeth aims for quality services and equal opportunities for all and is committed to safer recruitment.
Advanced Social Work Practitioner (Family Support and Child Protection) in London employer: Lambeth Council
Contact Detail:
Lambeth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Social Work Practitioner (Family Support and Child Protection) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, especially those who are already in Lambeth or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the job and even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to child protection and family support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children and families during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles – this will help you stand out as a compassionate candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lambeth team!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Social Work Practitioner (Family Support and Child Protection) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the job description. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities and requirements. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and supporting statement clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point, making it easier for us to see your qualifications.
Follow Application Instructions: Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Upload your CV and supporting statement as specified, and make sure to remove any personal details as required. We want to ensure a fair process for everyone, so sticking to the guidelines is key.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lambeth Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on child protection legislation and the Children Act 1989 and 2004. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but also understand how it applies in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported children and families in challenging situations. Highlight your creative problem-solving skills and how you've mentored less experienced colleagues, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Resilience
Be ready to talk about how you handle the pressures of a fast-paced environment. Share instances where you’ve successfully managed high-stress situations, as this role demands someone who can keep calm and focused under pressure.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Lambeth’s vision for children and young people. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to making Lambeth a great place for children to grow up, and how your values align with theirs.