At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families through tough times and help them find strength and solutions.
- Company: Join a supportive team in Wandsworth with a 'Good' Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Up to £52,767 salary, 40 days leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience and a passion for helping families.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear career progression and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
Overview
Children's Social Worker - Family Help Service — Up to £52,767 per annum (subject to experience) + Benefits. Fixed Term (12 months). Full Time (36 Hours). Wandsworth, London. Ofsted Rating: ‘Good’.
About the Role
In our newly formed Family Help Service, you will find more than just a job – you will find a place where your voice matters, your ideas are welcomed, and your impact is visible. This is your opportunity to walk alongside families through their most difficult moments and help them find strength, hope and solutions. You will work in a modern, collaborative environment with a stable, friendly team and strong, visible leadership. You will be part of a small, skilled team where supervision is regular, caseloads are manageable and your time with children and families is protected and purposeful. Our onboarding and induction are quick and efficient, ensuring you feel supported from day one.
Our Approach
We believe in the power of relationships. Our Family Help model is rooted in systemic practice and built on trust, consistency and co-production. You will work with families to create plans that reflect their voices and values – whether under Child in Need, Child Protection or care proceedings. You won’t be working alone. You will be part of a multi-agency team that includes Children’s Practitioners, Adult Mental Health Practitioners, Substance Misuse and Domestic Abuse Specialists and in-house Family Therapy and Social Care CAMHS teams. Together, we create a wraparound network of support that helps families stay together safely.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, with your ASYE completed.
- Confident 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. We offer 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.
If you are ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and families and want to do it in a place that values your passion, your practice and your purpose – apply now. Wandsworth is where your next chapter begins.
Contact Details
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Veronica Leigh, Service Manager veronica.leigh@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Dates
- Closing Date: 22 February 2026
- Shortlisting Date: w/c 23 February 2026
- Interview Date: w/c 2 March 2026
We may close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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.
Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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 - Family Help Service employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Social Worker - Family Help Service
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Family Help Service inside out! Familiarise yourself with their approach and values, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to work there and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios from your past work that showcase your skills in collaboration, communication, and compassion. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Social Worker - Family Help Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference and how your values align with our Family Help Service.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially in voluntary and statutory settings. We’re looking for natural collaborators, so share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams or multi-agency environments.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of systemic practice and the Family Help model. Familiarise yourself with the key principles of working with families, especially under Child in Need and Child Protection frameworks. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a multi-agency team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Think of specific examples where you’ve worked with other professionals to support families. Highlight your communication skills and how you build trust with both colleagues and families.
✨Bring Your Passion for Change
This position is all about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Be ready to share your motivations for wanting to work in social care and how you believe in the potential of families. Your passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the training opportunities available, or how success is measured in the Family Help Service. Asking questions shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.