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- Tasks: Support young people aged 16-25 as they transition to independence.
- Company: Join Merton's dedicated Leaving Care Team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ39.04 per hour with full-time hours and long-term contract.
- Why this job: Empower youth during critical life stages, fostering genuine relationships.
- Qualifications: Must be Social Work England registered with experience in care leaver support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment focused on positive outcomes.
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
- ÂŁ39.04 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.
Senior Social Worker - Leaving Care employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Leaving Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by care leavers aged 16-25. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting them effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social work field, especially those who have experience in leaving care services. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to build strong relationships with young people. Highlight instances where you've successfully navigated complex cases or supported individuals through challenging transitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Merton's Leaving Care Team and their approach to supporting young people. Tailoring your discussion points to align with their values and practices will show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Leaving Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by care leavers and think about how your experience aligns with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience working with care leavers or older adolescents. Emphasise your ability to build relationships and manage complex cases, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young people. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you can contribute to Merton's Leaving Care Team and why you are the right fit for this role.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your Social Work England registration and any relevant qualifications or training. This will help establish your credibility and show that you meet the necessary standards for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping young people transition into adulthood. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you made a positive impact on a young person's life, demonstrating that you understand the challenges they face.
✨Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills
Discuss how you build strong, trusting relationships with young people. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with care leavers or older adolescents, emphasising your ability to listen and adapt your approach based on their individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Relevant Services
Familiarise yourself with the various services and support systems available for young people, such as housing, education, and mental health resources. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with these services to provide comprehensive support for your caseload.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle complex cases and challenging situations, showcasing your calm and grounded approach while knowing when to push for progress and when to listen.
