At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, delivering ethical interventions that promote their rights and potential.
- Company: Join Wandsworth, an Outstanding-rated Children’s Service committed to compassionate social work.
- Benefits: Earn £42,000 plus a £2,000 increase after probation, with 40 days annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy manageable caseloads, excellent training, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Kickstart your social work career in a supportive environment that values creativity and compassion.
- Qualifications: Relevant social work qualification and Social Work England membership required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.
Newly Qualified Social Workers £42,000 per annum £2,000 salary increase on successful completion of your probation / ASYE period Permanent, Full Time (36 hours) Location: Wandsworth Recently rated ‘Outstanding’ in every area by Ofsted (May 2026).
Join a Children’s Service that has just been rated ‘Outstanding’ in every area by Ofsted. In its most recent inspection, Ofsted praised Wandsworth’s highly responsive and compassionate social work, the trusting and enduring relationships practitioners build with children and families, and our firmly established culture of reflection, learning and professional curiosity.
Do you see yourself delivering ethical, relationship-based interventions that respect and promote the rights of children, young people and their parents and carers? Are you passionate, ambitious and ready to change lives and shape futures? Can you support children and their families with their future hopes, self-esteem and potential, and practise in a way that is respectful and ethical, privileging each family’s right to make the best possible decisions for their children?
Join Wandsworth and start your career in a borough where excellent practice is recognised nationally and where your creativity, compassion and confidence are not only valued - they are essential. Have the best start in your social work career and join Wandsworth’s Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme starting in September / October 2026!
As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) you will share our values that inspire the Outstanding Practice Framework, creating the context for social workers to build relationships with families that bring about change and support children to live at home wherever possible. Our recent Ofsted inspection recognised the strength of this approach, highlighting highly responsive and compassionate social work, strong leadership, and a culture of reflection, learning and professional curiosity.
Systemic practice is embedded across our multi-disciplinary teams, and you will be joining the strongest practice conditions Wandsworth has ever had to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
About the Programme
As a NQSW at Wandsworth, you will be joining either our Family Help service to work with children, young people and their families to create positive change in their lives. You will be supported through our dedicated Social Care Academy, who lead the ASYE assessment, coupled with low caseloads that allow you the time and opportunity to do meaningful direct work with families. Ofsted recognised our strong investment in staff development and support, helping to create stable, high-performing teams that deliver consistently strong practice for children and families.
You will be part of a programme that is positively evaluated year on year by previous NQSWs, with protected study time and a dedicated ASYE assessor offering individual reflective space for you. You will have the opportunity to become an excellent social work practitioner who is able to build positive relationships with children and their families. You will receive a high-quality induction alongside incremental learning opportunities, high levels of supervision as well as an excellent support programme in your ASYE, including action learning sets and bespoke training workshops. The programme will also extend into your second and third years post qualifying with an Early Professional Development offer through our Teaching Partnership.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
You will need a relevant social work qualification and Social Work England membership, along with the experience of working across voluntary and statutory agencies. You will have a 'can do' attitude, are creative and champion for children and families to achieve the best possible outcomes, as our children deserve the best. An excellent communicator, collaborator who is compassionate and understands the needs of children and young people. You will also have applied knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.
Our Offer
You will:
- Be part of a small team with manageable caseloads.
- Have business support for your team who work in collaboration with you.
- Be part of various working groups within the service and across the partnerships to champion areas of best practice and influence positive outcomes for children and families.
- Have access to an excellent training offer for social workers ranging from the accredited course of Systemic Foundation Training, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Practice and various other reflective spaces to promote best practice.
Benefits
£2,000 salary increase on successful completion of your probation/ASYE period. Payment of Social Work England registration fee. Performance related salary progression scheme. 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays (40 paid days in total). Regular reflective supervision and peer group supervision. Tailored Personal Development Plans. Amazing training opportunities. An Early Professional Development (EPD – years 2 and 3 post qualifying) programme. Access to great transport links plus more.
We encourage you to identify connectedness and the value of learning from experienced and professional practitioners around you. Therefore, we offer hybrid working and the number of office/home days vary depending on service need.
If you are passionate about making a difference to the lives of children, young people, their parents & carers and want to join an organisation committed to outstanding, relationship-based social work practice – Wandsworth’s is where you need to be!
For more information or an informal conversation about the role please contact: Florence Clark – Social Work Academy Manager, Sue Connell – ASYE Manager.
Closing Date: 28 June 2026
Shortlisting Date: week commencing 29 June 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 13 July 2026
Test: A case study test will be included as part of the interview. We may close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
How to apply?
To be considered for interview your CV and supporting statement must highlight your knowledge, skills and experience listed in the Job Profile located at the bottom of the advert. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview, which includes a brief case study test.
Newly Qualified Social Worker - ASYE Programme (Sep / Oct 2026) in London employer: LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
Wandsworth is an exceptional employer for Newly Qualified Social Workers, offering a supportive and nurturing environment where your creativity and compassion are not only valued but essential. With a recent 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted, the borough provides excellent training opportunities, manageable caseloads, and a strong commitment to professional development through its dedicated Social Care Academy. Join a team that prioritises relationship-based practice and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Newly Qualified Social Worker - ASYE Programme (Sep / Oct 2026) 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 LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH.
✨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 LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH!
✨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 LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH, 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 LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH 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 Newly Qualified Social Worker - ASYE Programme (Sep / Oct 2026) 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 LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH! 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 LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
✨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.
