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- Tasks: Manage safeguarding cases and work directly with children and families to ensure their safety.
- Company: London Borough of Merton, a supportive local authority focused on community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, excellent transport links, and access to green spaces.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in Safeguarding and Child Protection.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a community-focused area with strong support for professionals.
The London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Safeguarding Team. This is a frontline role working with children and families where there are identified safeguarding concerns, requiring confident assessment, effective planning, and strong multi-agency collaboration. You will manage Child in Need and Child Protection cases, complete statutory work, and contribute to timely, child-centred decision-making within a supportive and well-established service.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of Child in Need and Child Protection cases.
- Undertake Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries.
- Develop, implement, and review robust safeguarding and protection plans.
- Carry out direct work with children and families, ensuring the child’s voice is central.
- Prepare high-quality, analytical reports for conferences, reviews, and legal processes.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies including health, education, and police.
- Maintain accurate and timely case recording in line with statutory requirements.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
- Proven experience working within Safeguarding / Child Protection services.
- Strong assessment, planning, and risk management skills.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to statutory timescales.
- Confidence working collaboratively with multi-agency partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Practice Model Used by Merton
Merton operates a Signs of Safety practice framework, underpinned by relationship-based and systemic social work principles. This approach promotes strengths-based practice, clear risk analysis, collaborative working with families, and reflective professional judgement.
Why Merton Is a Great Place to Live and Work
Merton offers an excellent balance between London living and green, community-focused neighbourhoods. Benefits include:
- Excellent transport links into central London and across the South West.
- Access to green spaces such as Wimbledon Common and Morden Hall Park.
- A strong sense of community with family-friendly residential areas.
- A supportive local authority committed to high-quality practice and workforce wellbeing.
- Competitive locum rates and a stable, well-managed service.
If you would like to apply, please send your CV to If you would like to discuss the role further, feel free to call (phone number removed).
Experienced Social Worker - Safeguarding Team in Merton employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker - Safeguarding Team in Merton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in safeguarding. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Signs of Safety framework. Be ready to discuss how you've applied it in your previous roles and how it can benefit the team at Merton. Show them you're not just a fit on paper but also in practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to safeguarding and child protection. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making sure to highlight your assessment and planning skills.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Social Worker - Safeguarding Team in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience in safeguarding and child protection, as well as any relevant qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with children and families, and how your approach aligns with Merton's Signs of Safety practice framework.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Safeguarding Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety practice framework that Merton uses. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied this model in your previous roles, showcasing your understanding of strengths-based practice and collaborative working.
✨Showcase Your Assessment Skills
Prepare examples of your experience in conducting Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries. Highlight specific cases where your assessment led to effective safeguarding outcomes, demonstrating your analytical skills and decision-making process.
✨Emphasise Multi-Agency Collaboration
Think of instances where you successfully worked with partner agencies like health, education, or police. Be prepared to discuss how you navigated challenges in collaboration and what strategies you used to ensure a child-centred approach.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex cases. Strong written and verbal communication is key, so consider preparing a brief report or case study to share during the interview to demonstrate your skills.
