At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead support for informal carers and manage complex cases in mental health.
- Company: Join Southwark Council's Care and Support Team, dedicated to empowering vulnerable adults.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Diverse environment with a commitment to tackling racial inequality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of adults with mental health needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with expertise in adult social care and mental health.
The predicted salary is between 50175 - 57495 £ per year.
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
- 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 our Southwark 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.
Advanced Practitioner in London 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 in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Southwark Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Southwark Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Southwark Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Southwark Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Southwark Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southwark Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
