At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, build relationships, and help them thrive towards independence.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to changing lives in Wandsworth.
- Benefits: Up to £52,767 salary, 40 days leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with clear career progression and manageable caseloads.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in working with Looked After Children.
The predicted salary is between 52767 - 52767 £ per year.
Children’s Social Worker – Children Looked After
Up to £52,767 per annum (subject to experience) + Benefits* Permanent | Full Time (36 Hours) | Wandsworth, London
Benefits: Payment of Social Work England registration fee Plus more – view our Children’s Services offer
Are you a passionate and experienced Social Worker ready to change lives and shape futures? Join a team where your creativity, compassion and confidence are not only valued – they are essential. Every day in Wandsworth, Social Workers help families write new chapters in their lives. We empower children and their families to overcome challenges, build resilience and thrive.
At the core of our work with Children Looked After, we recognise the importance of their relationships and therefore work closely with the children and young people, family members and other significant people in their lives. We welcome motivated Social Workers who are ready to bring their heart, skill and vision to a place where their work truly matters. If you are driven by purpose and want to be part of a service that puts relationships at the heart of everything, we want to hear from you.
About the Role
As a (Senior) Social Worker, you will be joining one of the three Children Looked After Teams. Each team is made up of a Team Manager and five Social Workers. Your work will be supported by Systemic Practitioners and Specialist Practitioners. In this role, you will be supporting children who are living with relatives, friends, foster families, prospective adopters, or in children's homes and semi-independent settings. Your primary responsibility will be to build sustainable relationships with these children and plan for their permanence, ensuring their safety and supporting them in taking the necessary steps towards independence.
You will conduct regular visits, assessments and reviews of their Care Plans, which will allow you to nurture and develop meaningful relationships with children and young people. By understanding and interpreting their wishes, you will champion and support them in reaching their full potential. Occasionally, you may need to prepare reports and attend court hearings. This challenging but rewarding role provides regular supervision and consultations with our Clinical Family Therapy service to ensure you have the necessary support. You will also work alongside other social workers, placement support officers, and partnership organisations such as Health Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Independent Reviewing Officers.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, with successful completion of your ASYE.
- Previous experience of working with Looked After Children.
- Confidence in your knowledge and practice, with experience across voluntary and statutory settings.
- A natural collaborator and communicator who brings compassion, creativity and clarity to your work.
- A champion for children and families, with a belief in their potential and a commitment to their rights.
How We Support You
You will be part of a small team of five Social Workers with manageable caseloads. Dedicated business support staff work alongside you to reduce admin and free up your time. You will have opportunities to lead, influence and innovate through working groups and service development. Our training offer is second to none: Systemic Psychotherapy (Levels 1, 2 and 3), Practice Educator training, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma‑Informed Practice, Leadership Development and much more. Clear career progression through our panel for Senior Social Worker and Advanced Practitioner roles, plus ASYE, Step Up and Apprenticeship pathways. Excellent transport links and a vibrant, supportive working culture.
Contact Details
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Eric Mensah, Service Manager – Children Looked After eric.mensah@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Equal Opportunities
Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership is 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.
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.
Children's Social Worker - Children Looked After employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Join a dedicated team in Wandsworth where your role as a Children's Social Worker is not just a job, but a chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. With manageable caseloads, exceptional training opportunities, and a vibrant work culture that values creativity and compassion, you will be supported every step of the way in your professional journey. Enjoy generous benefits including 40 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, all while being part of a service that prioritises meaningful relationships and personal growth.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Worker - Children Looked After
✨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 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of 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 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of 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 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of 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 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of 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 Children's Social Worker - Children Looked After
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 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of 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 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of 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.
