Senior Social Worker - Leaving Care

Senior Social Worker – Leaving Care Team Location: Merton Rate: £39.04 per hour Contract: Locum, Full-Time (36 hours) Merton’s Leaving Care Team is looking for an experienced Senior Social Worker to join them on a full-time locum basis. The team works with young people aged 16–25, supporting them as they move towards independence — and they need someone who gets that this isn’t just about ticking boxes. You’ll be supporting young people through a critical time in their lives, helping them navigate housing, education, mental health and everything else that comes with becoming an adult — often without the safety net that others have. What the role involves: Managing a caseload of care leavers aged 16–25, including some with complex needs Building strong, trusting relationships and keeping your work young person–focused Helping with housing plans, education, employment, and general life support Working alongside YOT, CAMHS, housing, and education teams Preparing for and attending pathway plan reviews and updating assessments What they’re looking for: You’ve worked with care leavers or older adolescents and understand the challenges they face You’re Social Work England registered and confident in holding complex cases You don’t just “do the visit” — you build real relationships with young people You’ve got a calm, grounded approach and know when to push and when to listen Why choose Merton? Experienced team with solid support and a real focus on good outcomes £39.04 per hour, full-time hours, and a long-term contract A team that values consistency — not high turnover or last-minute panic placements If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely support young people into adulthood — not just manage risk and process — this is it. Call me on: Mobile:  Landline:  Email: (url removed)  Got someone else in mind? I offer up to £500 in referrals for successful placements