At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Emergency Duty Team to support families in crisis and make impactful decisions.
- Company: Lambeth Council is dedicated to transforming communities and enhancing lives through innovative social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, up to 35 days leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urgent situations while working with diverse communities in vibrant South London.
- Qualifications: You need a Social Work degree, AMHP status, and strong crisis management skills.
- Other info: We value diversity and guarantee interviews for disabled candidates meeting criteria.
The predicted salary is between 49638 - 52674 £ per year.
Social Workers
Emergency Duty Team (EDT), Children’s Social Care
PO4: £49,638 pa rising in annual increments to £52674 pa incl. LW, plus 20% for out of hours and an additional and £3000 AMHP allowance
Full Time / Permanent
We are looking for Social Workers who are Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) and have experience in Children Social Care.
At Lambeth, our practice is rooted in building strong relationships, supporting meaningful change for families, and promoting the wellbeing and development of both children and adults. We believe this is best achieved through open, collaborative work with families and children.
The Out of Hours Social Work Team responds to all social services emergencies and statutory duties that arise outside of standard office hours. The team conducts initial assessments of presenting situations and implements safe, practical solutions until daytime services can follow up. This includes undertaking Mental Health Act Assessments under the Mental Health Act.
An Emergency Duty Social Worker (EDSW) is a specialized professional who responds to urgent or crisis situations outside of normal working hours—typically evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays working on a rota basis.
These social workers provide critical, immediate support to individuals or families facing emergencies involving child protection, adult safeguarding, mental health crises, domestic violence, or other urgent welfare issues.
Are you a qualified social worker looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in crisis situations then join our Emergency Duty Team to provide vital support and protection to vulnerable children and adults outside of normal working hours. The service operates from 5pm to 9am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays.
Key Responsibilities:
• Respond to crisis calls from police, hospitals, the public, or other agencies.
• Conduct risk assessments to determine the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals (especially children and at-risk adults).
• Conduct AMHP Assessment out in the community
• Make emergency decisions, such as arranging foster care placements, hospital admissions, or emergency protective orders.
• Work with multi-agency partners (e.g., Police, healthcare, housing services) to ensure immediate and appropriate action.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents and decisions made during out-of-hours service.
• Follow up by handing over cases to daytime social work teams for continued support and assessment.
• Working remotely and undertaking child welfare visits to homes, hospitals, or police stations during duty shifts.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
• A degree in Social Work and registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., Social Work England and or equivalents).
• Approved Mental Health Professional
• Strong decision-making and crisis management skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures, legislation (e.g., Children Act, Mental Health Act), and local authority protocols.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Strong assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• IT literacy for recording and reporting purposes.
• Proven experience in social work practice, child protection, adult safeguarding, or crisis intervention.
• Experience working in an emergency or out-of-hours setting is preferred.
Training and professional development
You will receive continuous learning to update knowledge, skills, and professional practice which is essential for adapting to current laws, policies, and social care challenges. Including support in career growth to maintain high standards of practice.
If you are a creative and dedicated professional seeking a rewarding challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we would be pleased to hear from you
For more information about the role, please contact Musu Kabia, EDT Team Leader on 07511 867 189 or via MKabia@lambeth.gov.uk
About Us:
It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council,we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through ourLambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth.To deliver on these ambitions, we have embarked our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose,’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff;Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability. For more information, please have a look at our dedicatedOne Lambeth Values and Behaviours page.
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.
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.
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
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. Please clickherefor a full list of our accreditations.
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 atwww.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 foundhereCifas
How to Apply
Interested? click on the apply button and complete an on-line application and also upload your Supporting Statement clearly evidencing how you meet the criteria marked with an \’A\’ at shortlist stage on the job specification pages
Closing date: 7th September 2025 at midnight
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Social Workers employer: Lambeth Council
Contact Detail:
Lambeth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Workers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by the Emergency Duty Team. Understanding the unique pressures and scenarios they encounter will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former social workers in similar roles. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application and potential interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience with crisis management and decision-making in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Lambeth Council's values and how they align with your own professional philosophy. Being able to articulate this connection can set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good cultural fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Workers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Social Worker position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to crisis management and mental health assessments.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: When writing your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the criteria marked with an 'A' in the job specification. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your skills in decision-making, crisis intervention, and collaboration with multi-agency partners.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you prominently feature your qualifications, such as your degree in Social Work and registration with a relevant professional body. Mention your status as an Approved Mental Health Practitioner and any additional training that supports your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lambeth Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Emergency Duty Team. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as conducting risk assessments and making emergency decisions, so you can discuss how your experience aligns with these duties.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed crisis situations. Highlight your decision-making process and how you collaborated with other agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Legislation
Be ready to discuss relevant legislation, such as the Children Act and Mental Health Act. Showing that you are well-versed in these laws will demonstrate your competence and readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in social work. Prepare to discuss how you have effectively communicated with families, colleagues, and multi-agency partners in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.