Job Description

Senior Social Worker - Assessment - Bexley

Role: Senior Social Worker
Location: London Borough Of Bexley
Team: Referral and Assessment
Pay: Up to £38.50 ph
Contract: Full-time Locum
OFSTED: Outstanding

About the Role:
We are looking for a dedicated and skilled Senior Social Worker to join our dynamic Referral and Assessment Team within the London Borough of Bexley. This team is the critical frontline in safeguarding children and assessing referrals made through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). You ll be making a vital impact by evaluating the level of risk and need, ensuring each child receives the appropriate response and ongoing support if required.

As a Senior Social Worker in this team, you will conduct immediate investigations of referrals and determine the next steps, whether that means short-term intervention, diversion, or continued social care. We are seeking candidates who bring strong experience and professionalism to manage diverse and complex cases effectively. Additionally, experience or a willingness to train in the Signs of Safety practice model is essential, as it s a core component of our approach with children and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess referrals swiftly and effectively to identify risks, unmet needs, and determine the most appropriate course of action.

• Engage and work professionally with children and families, using Signs of Safety practices to ensure all perspectives are heard and child welfare is the primary focus.

• Regularly visit children and young people, building rapport to understand their wishes and feelings and incorporating these into case planning.

• Address and manage complex situations involving factors such as mental health issues, substance misuse, domestic violence, and more, applying relevant social work theories.

• Develop comprehensive, holistic assessments with input from family and multi-agency professionals, leading to effective, evidence-based plans.

• Coordinate and chair meetings, work collaboratively with family and professional networks, and prepare for legal action if necessary.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and records to reflect current assessments, actions, and planning.

• Engage in supervision to critically reflect and identify areas for professional growth.

• Respectfully and professionally engage with children, families, and partners, following all council policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.

About You:

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.

• Substantial experience in social work, particularly in a referral and assessment, safeguarding, or front-line setting.

• Skilled in conducting detailed risk assessments and responding to complex cases involving vulnerable children and families.

• Experience or commitment to training in Signs of Safety and a strong foundation in child development, attachment theory, and child protection.

• Exceptional communication and organizational skills with the ability to collaborate across multi-agency networks.

• Ability to work in a non-discriminatory way, respecting and valuing diversity in all its forms.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive hourly rate up to £38.50.

• The opportunity to make an immediate impact on the safety and welfare of children.

• Access to professional training, including Signs of Safety, to enhance your skills and career development.

Why choose Sheldon Phillips to find your next role? It's simple: we're not pushy or overly persistent. We understand that you want to be heard. Our priority is to proactively seek the roles you desire, not just the ones that benefit us financially.

Our success comes from making your job search our top priority.

Interested in learning more about the Social Worker role in London? Contact Rhys Rafferty at (phone number removed).

Plus, refer a friend to us, and if we place them, you'll receive a generous £300 referral bonus (terms and conditions apply).