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- Tasks: Support families affected by substance misuse and improve children's wellbeing.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a leader in inclusive community support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with manageable caseloads and strong training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: 2+ years post-qualifying Social Work experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45852 - 47925 ÂŁ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. We are proud to be recognized as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary for our work championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Make a real impact for children and families affected by parental substance misuse. We’re looking for 2 experienced and dynamic Social Workers to join our specialist Family Wellbeing Team, part of our innovative Family Help service. Our team provides intensive, multi‑disciplinary support to improve the safety and wellbeing of children whose parents or carers are impacted by drug or alcohol use—offering earlier, easier access to the right help and reducing the need for traditional child protection processes.
As a Social Worker, you will work directly with children, young people and their families using relational, trauma‑informed and strength‑based approaches. You will contribute to high‑quality assessments and interventions, build strong multi‑agency partnerships, and support families to make sustainable changes. You’ll also take an active role in reflective practice within the team, helping to develop innovative approaches to supporting families affected by substance misuse.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience working with children and families
- Ability to develop confidence and skill in supporting families affected by substance misuse
- A reflective, innovative approach and commitment to anti‑racist, restorative practice
- Ability to work under CIN, CP and legal frameworks
What We Offer
- Specialised training in parental substance misuse and motivational interviewing
- Fortnightly reflective group supervision
- Close support from Lewisham’s Hidden Harm Social Worker
- Strong links with substance misuse and adult mental health services
- Excellent benefits including generous annual leave, LGPS pension, flexible working, staff discounts and more
About You
- A minimum of 2 years post‑qualifying Social Work practice and experience of managing a frontline safeguarding caseload
- Working with parents who have complex needs where there is a risk of significant harm to their children
- Completing parenting assessments – or other assessments of parents regarding the safety and well‑being of children for use in the Family Proceedings Court
- Using the Signs of Safety practice framework to structure your assessments and interventions with families
- Completing family network meetings to achieve the safety and well‑being of children
- Understanding of child protection processes, pre‑proceedings and giving evidence in the Family Proceedings Court
What’s in it for you?
- Families are respected and supported to stay together, whenever there is safety.
- Families will tell us they understand why we are involved.
- Children will tell us their social worker has made a difference to their lives.
- Children who are in our care know we care, and we won’t give up on them.
- Young people who have been in our care feel confident about their future.
Our Vision – What Good Children’s Social Work Looks Like in Lewisham
In Lewisham Children’s Social Care, we know what good social work looks like and we are passionate about creating the right conditions and culture for good practice to thrive. We have taken a whole‑system approach to improving our services to children and young people in our borough using Signs of Safety as our practice model. Staff talk positively about their manageable caseloads, regular supervision, team meetings and access to a range of training, including the social work model of practice. Senior leaders demonstrate a clear focus on hearing the voices of children to develop and improve services. Leaders know the service well. They have a clear understanding of areas for development that are being appropriately addressed.
Why choose Lewisham?
'Lewisham has so much to offer any social worker. I feel supported, respected and valued every step of the way'. Our social workers benefit from working in small, supportive teams with caseloads on average between 15‑20 children. We are committed to working in a relationship‑based way with children and families, focusing on strengths in the family network to effect change. A positive learning culture that promotes opportunities for reflection and relationship‑based practice is important to us. We are committed to developing our practice using reflective practice spaces such as case mapping, thinking spaces and group supervision.
What We’re Looking For
- Value communication and seek feedback.
- Can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead.
- Are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service.
- Are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way.
- Work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths.
- Take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions.
- Are transparent, appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
Location
Primarily based in Laurence House in Catford, London, SE6 4RU. Two local train stations 3‑5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop by the office. We operate a hybrid approach where you will work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Creating an Inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme.
Special Conditions
Must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Must be 2 years post‑qualified for this role. Job is subject to a DBS check (Enhanced).
Salary
£45,852 - £47,925 per annum (SW / SCP 31‑33). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Advert Closure Notice
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Social Worker, Family Wellbeing Team, Family Help South in London employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Family Wellbeing Team, Family Help South in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities in Lewisham. Attend local events or workshops to meet people and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to social work and family wellbeing. Think about your experiences with trauma-informed approaches and how you can showcase your skills in supporting families affected by substance misuse.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with interviewers, share why you’re excited about making a difference in Lewisham’s diverse communities. Let them see your commitment to anti-racist and restorative practices.
✨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 Family Wellbeing Team and making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker, Family Wellbeing Team, Family Help South in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Talk about why you want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, especially those affected by substance misuse. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly with children and families. Use examples that showcase your skills in trauma-informed and strength-based approaches. We want to see how your background aligns with our Family Wellbeing Team's mission!
Be Reflective: In your application, don’t shy away from discussing your reflective practice. Share how you've learned from past experiences and how this has shaped your approach to working with families. We value candidates who are committed to continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the Family Wellbeing Team's approach. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed and strength-based practices, as well as the Signs of Safety framework. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you understand the nuances of working with families affected by substance misuse.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences working with children and families, especially those dealing with complex needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed safeguarding cases and conducted parenting assessments. This will help demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Reflective Practice is Key
Since reflective practice is a big part of this role, think about how you can incorporate it into your interview responses. Share instances where you’ve learned from past experiences or adapted your approach based on feedback. This shows that you value continuous improvement and are committed to developing your skills.
✨Engage with the Values
Lewisham Council values inclusivity and collaboration, so be sure to express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Discuss how you’ve worked inclusively with diverse communities and how you plan to contribute to creating an inclusive environment within the team. This will resonate well with their core values.