Social Worker - Family First Contact Point in London

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.

It's an exciting time to join us - Lewisham is a wave 2 Pathfinder authority and is leading the way on national reforms to social work practice through the Families First for Children programme.

We are looking for a Social Worker to join our innovative Families First Contact Point (FFCP). They will play a crucial role in our multi-disciplinary team, making critical decisions about the right help and support for children and families using the Lewisham Family Help Continuum of Need. This role involves undertaking comprehensive assessments and working with families to determine whether they require statutory intervention or can be supported through community-based resources.

FFCP is designed to make informed decisions about whether children and families need statutory help or intervention or whether their needs can be met or can be supported through community-based resources. As a Social Worker, you will be part of a co-located multi-disciplinary team. The service is committed to reducing duplication and hand-offs for families, providing a relationship-based and strengths-based response to partners, families, carers and the public.

You will undertake screening of all contacts using our RAG rating system, complete triage work involving information gathering and MASH checks, visit families to complete Family Help assessments and coordinating support. The role requires excellent skills in engaging with diverse families, conducting comprehensive assessments, and making sound professional judgements about risk and need.

The ideal candidate should have excellent skills in engaging with diverse families, technical knowledge of children in need of help and protection, and children looked after. They must have experience in conducting comprehensive assessments, excellent report writing skills, and the ability to assess risk and develop effective multi-agency intervention plans. Knowledge of the Family Help Continuum of Need and experience of working in contact/assessment services would be advantageous.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join FFCP. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work, with a proven track record of providing high-quality support and services to individuals and families. You will be passionate about making a positive impact in the community and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A degree in Social Work or a related field.
• Post qualifying experience in social work.
• Experience working in Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) and conducting comprehensive assessments.
• Strong understanding of social work principles, practices, and ethics.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and learning.

Personal Attributes:

• Empathetic and compassionate, with a genuine desire to help others.
• Resilient and able to handle challenging situations with professionalism.
• Adaptable and open to new ideas and approaches.
• Recognise the importance of effective communication and actively seek feedback.
• Exhibit professional curiosity and value thoughtful, balanced decision‑making.
• Collaborate inclusively and work with others in a strengths‑based manner.
• Take responsibility and contribute positively by focusing on solutions.

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
• Supportive staff networks

The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. The job is subject to a DBS check (Enhanced).

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.

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 re‑assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.

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 Lewisham Works, a dedicated employment support service, offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Applicant handbook – please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

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. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.