At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults through complex case work and collaborative approaches.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a vibrant borough committed to diverse communities and innovative social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified and registered Social Worker with relevant experience.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with both office and home-based tasks; DBS check required.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 38800 £ per year.
Full-time, 35 hours Permanent £44,430 - £46,437 per annum (SW) (Enhanced- Both) DBS check required.
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.
Exciting Social Work opportunities within Lewisham Council.
About Us
Lewisham is a vibrant and diverse borough that offers dynamic career opportunities. We are dedicated to providing exemplary services to our residents, with our staff being our greatest asset. Lewisham boasts strong partnerships and a history of collaborative commitment. Adult Social Care is focused on delivering high quality support to adults requiring our services within the borough. We champion innovative approaches and strive for continuous improvement, ensuring our practices remain at the cutting edge. If you are seeking an environment committed to your professional development and growth, Lewisham is the place for you. With robust supervision and opportunities for reflection and skill enhancement, you can pursue your desired career path here.
We currently have vacancies for Social Workers in the following areas:
- Gateway & MASH (Front Door and Safeguarding)
- Hospital Discharge and Discharge to Assess
- Neighbourhoods
- Older Adults
- Mental Health
- Adults with Learning Difficulties, Autism and Transitions
- Placement Reviews
Role Overview
As a Social Worker, you will play a pivotal role in supporting adults throughout their lives. Your responsibilities will include:
- Complex Case Work: Conducting Mental Capacity (MCA) Assessments, Court of Protection applications, and s42 safeguarding enquiries.
- Positive Risk Support: Encouraging individuals to take calculated risks while aiming for the least restrictive interventions.
- Collaborative Working: Partnering with service providers and stakeholders to deliver holistic support.
- Strength-Based Approach: Undertaking complex assessments, setting personal goals and outcomes, and evaluating their effectiveness.
- Person-Centred Decisions: Ensuring the individual’s wishes are central to every decision.
- Resource Management: Identifying community and commissioned services to meet eligible needs within budget constraints.
What’s in it for you?
- Innovative Environment: Be part of a team that embraces new ideas and methodologies.
- Professional Development: Access opportunities for ongoing learning and career advancement.
- Supportive Team: Collaborate with dedicated professionals.
- Impactful Work: Make a significant difference in the lives of adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism.
- Excellent Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday allowances, a Local Government Pension scheme, flexible working and family-friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, local subsidised gym memberships, and supportive staff networks.
What We’re Looking For
We seek experienced Social Workers who are motivated to help us achieve our service users' outcomes and transform lives.
- Empowerment: Foster choice and control over individuals' support needs.
- Commitment: Focus on individuals' strengths and networks rather than solely assessing for services and eligibility.
- Person-Centred: Support people’s goals and aspirations, promoting independence and community connection.
- Professional Curiosity: Value thoughtful and balanced consideration in all situations.
- Development: Commit to skill and expertise enhancement to provide superior service.
Join Us
If you are enthusiastic about delivering exceptional support to adults and wish to join a passionate, forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of our mission to make a positive impact!
Location
The job is primarily based on Lewisham Sites including the hospital but 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
- Relevant Social Work qualification is needed
- Qualified and Registered Social Worker
- The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s. 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.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Mary Farinha, Service Group Manager on 0208 314 9287 or mary.farinha@lewisham.gov.uk.
To find out more, including a full job description and person specification, and to apply, please click the visit website button.
Please click here to see why Lewisham is the place to work within Adult Social Care.
Closing date: Sunday 29th June 2025, 23:59pm
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 has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Social Worker employer: London Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
mary.farinha@lewisham.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham's diverse community and the specific needs of adults requiring social work support. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your commitment to person-centred care during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Lewisham Council, especially those in Adult Social Care. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex case work and safeguarding enquiries. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in these areas, as they are crucial for the role of a Social Worker in Lewisham.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to professional development by mentioning any relevant training or certifications you've completed. This aligns with Lewisham's focus on continuous improvement and can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties mentioned.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Address each criterion in the person specification clearly, providing examples from your experience that demonstrate your competencies and commitment to the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your relevant Social Work qualifications and registration status prominently in your application. This is essential for meeting the basic requirements of the role.
Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the application guidelines provided in the applicant handbook. Make sure your application is complete and submitted before the closing date to avoid any issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Lewisham
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in Lewisham. Familiarise yourself with complex case work, safeguarding enquiries, and the importance of a person-centred approach. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases, collaborate with stakeholders, and support individuals in achieving their goals. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Professional Development
Lewisham values continuous improvement and professional growth. Be ready to talk about how you have pursued further training or development opportunities in the past and how you plan to continue enhancing your skills in this role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Commitment
As a Social Worker, empathy and commitment to service users are crucial. Prepare to discuss how you empower individuals, promote independence, and focus on their strengths. Show that you genuinely care about making a positive impact in their lives.