Newham is building a fairer borough through investment, co-production and by continuously developing its Circle of Support practice model, centring on systemic and restorative practice. This is a rewarding opportunity to join a Children in Care team in an Outstanding-rated local authority, providing statutory services to children in care and their families and support networks.
Social Work in Newham is underpinned by a culture of Systemic and Restorative practice, with high-quality relationships at the heart of the approach. Children in Care Social Workers provide Circles of Support around children to ensure their happiness and safety whilst the Council acts in its role as a corporate parent. Working in this service provides a unique development opportunity, as the team handles the majority of court work relating to care proceedings. You will be fully supported by senior colleagues, an Assistant Team Manager and Team Manager, Practice Development Social Workers, a comprehensive CP Chair service, and a Clinical Team of experienced qualified Family Therapists.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing statutory social work services to children in care and their families and support networks
- Building Circles of Support around children, working restoratively and using systemic tools and ideas
- Contributing to care proceedings and court work, supported by senior colleagues throughout
- Driving the development of a team culture where good practice can flourish for the benefit of all
- Working as a corporate parent to ensure the happiness and safety of children in the Council's care
Why work with us?
- A role in an Outstanding local authority across all four areas of Ofsted's Inspection criteria
- A competitive salary package with a market supplement that rivals capped agency pay
- Genuinely flexible/hybrid working, with flexible working requests available from day one
- Stability: 100% of Senior Managers are permanent, and over 80% of staff across social care posts are permanent
- The Circle of Support practice model, nominated for the prestigious MJ Award for Innovation in Children's Services
- Social Care Academy: 50+ social workers have studied for systemic higher education since 2020, with opportunities to train as a Practice Educator or in Systemic Practice
- Clinical practitioners attached to every team, with reflective supervision groups greatly valued by social workers
- A commitment to addressing disproportionality, signed up to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard and actively leading the Tackling Racism, Inequality and Disproportionality (TRID) Steering Group
- Oyster card/parking permit for business use
- Travel season ticket loan, cycle scheme, and Local Authority pension
About you
Newham welcomes applications from qualified social workers of varying experience levels who have a genuine interest in restorative, relationship-based practice and a passion for making a real difference to children in care. We want to meet energetic, empathetic social workers who are keen to reach positive outcomes for children and families whilst taking full advantage of the learning, support and personal development that Newham offers.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a recognised social work qualification and have a valid registration with Social Work England
- Have completed the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), or hold equivalent practice experience
- Have gained experience within a service focused on supporting children in care (this must be clearly evidenced on the CV)
- Demonstrate a firm understanding of working with children in care and their families and support networks
- Have experience of practice within the UK
- Show a genuine interest in restorative, relationship-based practice drawing on systemic thinking
- Be empathetic and energetic, with a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that's all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed to this role, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About Newham
Newham is a vibrant and developing part of inner London and home to over 350,000 people, making us one of the largest boroughs in London.
We are proud to be one of the most diverse local authority areas in the UK, with over 104 languages spoken by our children and their families. Newham has a flourishing youth population, with almost a quarter of our residents under 18; this means children's services are always a priority for our Council.
We’ve worked hard to make Newham a great place to be a Social Worker and offer:
- A role in an 'Outstanding' local authority across all four areas of Ofsted's Inspection criteria
- A competitive salary package with a market supplement that rivals capped agency pay.
- Stability: 100% of our Senior Managers are permanent.
- Our firmly established practice model,Circle of Support model was nominated for the prestigious MJ Award for Innovation in Children’s Services and allows systemic, restorative practice to flourish.
- Career progression is valued in Newham with an active Strategic Centre for Talent and Learning Team who work hard to shape strategies to inform career development.
- Social Care Academy – 50+ social workers have studied for systemic higher education with us since 2020. There are opportunities to train as a Practice Educator and opportunities to train in Systemic Practice to heighten your skill set. Clinical practitioners are attached to every team to support you individually and as a group with reflective supervision groups greatly valued by social workers. Our Academy offer received significant praise from Ofsted.
- A commitment to addressing disproportionality wherever we find it- we are signed up to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard and the CYPS directorate are actively leading in the Tackling Racism, Inequality and Disproportionately (TRID) Steering Group.
- Oyster card/parking permit for business use.
- Travel season ticket loan, cycle scheme, Local Authority pension.
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Social Worker - Children in Care/LAC employer: London Social Work for Children
Haringey Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to professional development through the Haringey Academy and access to clinical support, social workers are empowered to make meaningful impacts in the lives of children and families. Located in the dynamic borough of Haringey, employees benefit from a supportive environment, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey towards excellence in children's services.
Contact Details:
London Social Work for Children Recruitment Team
