At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children using trauma-informed approaches to improve wellbeing.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a leader in community support and diversity.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years post-qualifying Social Work experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45852 - 47925 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
We’re looking for 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’s in it for you?
- Generous holiday allowance
- 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
- Supportive staff networks
What We’re Looking For
- 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
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House in Catford SE6. There are 2 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 right by the office. We operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
- The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England
- Must be 2 years post qualified for this role
- The job is subject to a DBS check (Basic/Enhanced)
Salary
£45,852 - £47,925 per annum (SW / SCP 31‑33). N.B: 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.
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 make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Social Worker - Family Help South employer: Lewisham Council
Join Lewisham Council as a Social Worker and be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of families within our vibrant, culturally diverse community. With generous benefits including a local government pension scheme, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, you will have the opportunity to thrive in your role while contributing to innovative approaches in family support. Located conveniently in Catford, with excellent transport links, this position offers a rewarding career path in a forward-thinking environment committed to championing the rights of all families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Help South
✨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 Lewisham 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 Lewisham 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 Lewisham 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 Lewisham 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 Worker - Family Help South
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 Lewisham Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lewisham 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 Lewisham 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.
