Children’s Social Worker – Locality Service – AR

Job Details

Children’s Social Worker – Locality Service

Location: Sutton, London
Salary: £42,060.00
Hours: Full-time
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Contract: Permanent

About the Role

The London Borough of Sutton is looking for experienced and motivated Children’s Social Workers to join its Locality Service within Children’s Social Care.

You will work with children and young people living at home under Section 17 and Section 47 of the Children Act 1989, providing statutory social work support to help achieve positive outcomes and ensure children remain safe.

Working closely with children, families and partner agencies, you will undertake assessments, develop SMART plans and deliver effective interventions based on the individual needs and circumstances of each child.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of children and families within the statutory Children’s Social Care framework.
  • Undertake robust assessments and identify safeguarding risks and support needs.
  • Work with children subject to Section 17 and Section 47 processes.
  • Complete direct work with children and ensure their wishes, feelings and views are central to decision-making.
  • Develop, implement and review SMART plans and interventions.
  • Lead and coordinate multi-agency meetings, plans and interventions.
  • Work collaboratively with schools, health, police and other professionals.
  • Apply safeguarding policies, procedures and statutory requirements consistently.
  • Maintain accurate and timely case records and documentation.
  • Use evidence-based practice to support professional decision-making.
  • Work in partnership with families using a restorative practice approach.
  • Ensure interventions address both presenting concerns and underlying family difficulties.
  • Travel to visit children and families, including outside the borough where required.

About You

You will be a confident and experienced Qualified Children’s Social Worker with a strong understanding of statutory children’s social work and safeguarding.

You will ideally have experience working within a UK local authority and be comfortable managing complex cases, carrying out assessments and undertaking direct work with children and families.

You will have:

  • A Social Work degree or recognised Social Work qualification.
  • Current registration with Social Work England.
  • At least 2 years’ post-qualifying social work experience.
  • Experience within Children’s Social Care.
  • Experience of statutory assessments and safeguarding.
  • Knowledge and practical experience of Section 17 and Section 47 work.
  • Strong direct-work skills with children and young people.
  • Experience of multi-agency working and coordinating professional interventions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to make evidence-based professional decisions.
  • A calm, empathetic and resilient approach when dealing with sensitive situations.
  • The ability to manage a busy caseload and maintain accurate records.

Working Arrangements

Sutton operates a flexible hybrid working model, allowing Social Workers to manage their diary around the needs of the service and their caseload.

As part of the Duty rota, you will be required to work one full week in the office every four weeks. You may also be required to travel outside Sutton to undertake visits to children and families.

What Sutton Offers

  • 26–32 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, depending on grade and service.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Flexible and agile working arrangements.
  • Learning and development opportunities.
  • Social Work England registration reimbursement.
  • Access to wellbeing and counselling support.
  • Season ticket loans.
  • Cycle-to-work and bicycle loan schemes.
  • Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
  • Staff networks and development opportunities.

Recruitment & Retention Package

Eligible Social Workers can receive:

  • £1,000 in their first month’s salary.
  • £1,000 after completing the first year.
  • £2,000 after completing the second year.
  • £3,000 after completing the third year and every year thereafter.
  • Reimbursement of Social Work England registration.

Apply Now

If you are a qualified Children’s Social Worker with statutory safeguarding experience and are looking for an opportunity to develop your career within a supportive Locality Service, please apply with you