At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities.
- Company: Join Southwark Council's innovative Adult Social Work Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy career stability, funded training, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace technology and fresh ideas to improve community outcomes.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered social worker with experience in adult social care.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 46600 £ per year.
Make a Real Impact – Join Southwark’s Adult Social Work Services
Are you a passionate social worker ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and people with physical disabilities? Do you value a collaborative, innovative environment where your skills are recognised and your development is supported?
If so, we’d love to welcome you to Southwark.
At Southwark Council, our Adult Social Work Services are made up of diverse, multi-disciplinary teams who are committed to helping residents live with dignity, independence, and purpose. Our work spans a range of specialisms, including older adults, physical disabilities, dementia care, and support for unpaid carers — and we’re looking for dedicated professionals to join us on this journey.
Why Choose Southwark?
More and more social workers are choosing the long-term rewards of a permanent role — and Southwark offers the stability, support, and career growth that makes a lasting difference.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Career stability and clear progression pathways
- Funded training and professional development
- Generous annual leave and pension contributions
- Flexible, hybrid working options
- A supportive, inclusive team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and compassion
- Direct access to senior practice leaders, including our Principal Social Worker and Principal Occupational Therapist
We’re proud to be a forward-thinking borough that embraces technology, encourages fresh ideas, and is committed to continually improving the way we work — so you can focus on delivering outstanding support to those who need it most.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking qualified social workers who:
- Are registered with Social Work England and have completed their ASYE
- Are confident in adult social care practice, with an understanding of the Care Act, safeguarding, and strengths-based approaches
- Have experience working with older adults and/or people with physical disabilities
- Are collaborative, reflective, and committed to professional growth
- Embrace new ideas and technologies to improve outcomes
Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or looking for a borough where you can grow and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note: If you have applied for this role within the last three months, your previous application would have already been considered as part of our recruitment process. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept repeat applications during this period, and any new application submitted within this timeframe will not be progressed.
Apply Now
To apply, please indicate which team you’re interested in joining. Learn more about our teams and what they do here.
Join Southwark and be part of a service where your work truly matters — and where your career can thrive.
This post requires an Enhanced DBS check.
Recruitment timetable
Advert close date: 11:59pm on 30th November 2025
Interview date/s: To Be Confirmed
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 strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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
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 programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £45,852 - £53,319
Social Worker - Adults in City of London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer for social workers, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With generous benefits such as funded training, flexible working options, and clear career progression pathways, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults and individuals with physical disabilities. Join us in a forward-thinking borough where your skills are recognised, and your professional growth is nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Adults in City of 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 Social Worker - Adults in City of 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.
