Are you an experienced social work professional passionate about making a real difference in the lives of adults with mental health needs?
We’re looking for an Advanced Practitioner to join Southwark Council’s Care and Support Team (CAST) – a specialist mental health service providing assessment, intervention and support for adults with complex needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine direct work with adults experiencing complex mental health needs and strategic leadership in improving support for informal carers.
Southwark Council is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable adults to live independently and with dignity. As part of our Adult Social Care division, you’ll benefit from:
- A supportive and inclusive work culture.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Family friendly policies including access to flexible working options.
- Local Government Pension Scheme and comprehensive staff benefits.
- Generous annual leave entitlement
Southwark is a diverse borough, rich in culture, arts, green spaces and history.
What You'll Be Doing
As an Advanced Practitioner you will have a dual role in the team:
Lead for Carer Support – You’ll drive the development of our offer for informal carers, ensuring compliance with statutory duties under the Care Act 2014, coordinating assessments, and enhancing carer pathways across services. You will also provide line management support for the Assistant Practitioner (Carers)
Senior Practitioner within CAST – You’ll hold a caseload of complex and high-profile cases, guide and mentor colleagues, and participate in the duty senior rota, ensuring quality and consistency in service delivery.
This is a key leadership role in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to supporting adults with mental health needs.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for someone who brings both creativity and expertise to the role:
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- In-depth knowledge of Adult Social Care legislation, mental health practice and safeguarding
- Solid understanding of the issues faced by informal carers and the barriers to accessing support
- Strong experience working with adults with complex mental health needs.
- Skilled in partnership working and building collaborative relationships in inter-professional contexts.
Additional Information
Additional Information:
- Full time, 36 hours per week Monday-Friday
Advert closing date: 23:59 on the 13th September 2026
Interviews: 21st September 2026
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through ourSouthwark Stands Together initiative . We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £50,175 - £57,495
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Advanced Practitioner employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Legal Disrepair Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from a range of professional growth opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant London location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Southwark Council often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Southwark Council. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Southwark Council.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Southwark Council.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Southwark Council.
