At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with disabilities to improve their outcomes and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 44937 - 51228 £ per year.
Full time/ Fixed Term-Secondment for 12 months. PO2-PO3: £44,937pa rising in annual increments to £51,228pa incl. LW.
About Us:
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. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth.’ With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas’s Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
About the Team:
Our 0–25 Disabilities Service is a specialist, multi-disciplinary service dedicated to supporting children and young people with complex disabilities, severe learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and chronic health needs to achieve the best possible outcomes. The service is structured across four teams: three specialist social work teams supporting children and young people with complex and severe needs from birth to age 18, and a dedicated Transition Team that works jointly with Children’s and Adult Social Care from age 17 onwards to ensure seamless planning and successful transitions into adulthood. Our practitioners work closely with families, education, health partners, commissioning services, and the voluntary sector to deliver strengths-based, relationship-focused interventions that promote independence, inclusion, and wellbeing.
The service has been recognised through a Good Ofsted judgement and a Good CQC assessment, with inspectors highlighting the strong partnership working, effective safeguarding arrangements, and positive outcomes achieved for children and young people with disabilities. Particular recognition has been given to the development of our dedicated Transition Team, which has strengthened pathways into adulthood, improved joint working across Children’s and Adult Services, and ensured that young people experience more timely, coordinated, and person-centred transition planning. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and ambitious service committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering exceptional support to children, young people, and their families.
About the Role:
As a Social Worker within the 0–25 Disabilities Service, you will work with children and young people with complex disabilities, severe learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and significant health needs, providing high-quality, relationship-based social work support to improve outcomes and safeguard vulnerable children. You will undertake assessments, care planning, safeguarding enquiries, Child in Need and Child Protection work where required, and support families to access appropriate services and short breaks. Working in close partnership with families, education, health colleagues, and community partners, you will ensure that children and young people receive coordinated, person-centred support that promotes their welfare, independence, and inclusion. For older young people, you will contribute to transition planning, helping to ensure a seamless pathway into adulthood through effective joint working with Adult Social Care and partner agencies. The role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people with disabilities while developing specialist knowledge and expertise within a supportive and innovative service.
How to Apply:
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked “A” for application. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.
Recruitment Timelines:
- Advert close date: 11:59pm on 26th July
- Shortlisting: 27th July
- Interviews: Week beginning 3rd August
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 the official website. You will be required to undertake a Cifas check. Further information about Cifas can be found on their website.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jean Kanzara.
At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Social Workers (0-25 Disabilities Service) in London employer: Lambeth Council
Lambeth Borough is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and diverse work environment in the heart of South London. As part of our School Improvement and Monitoring Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on educational outcomes while benefiting from a strong commitment to professional development and innovation. Our supportive culture encourages collaboration and growth, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals dedicated to shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Workers (0-25 Disabilities Service) 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 Lambeth Council.
✨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 Lambeth Council!
✨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 Lambeth Council, 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 Lambeth Council 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 Social Workers (0-25 Disabilities Service) 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 Lambeth Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lambeth Council! 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 Lambeth Council
✨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.
