Merton

Experienced Social Worker – Safeguarding Team

Pay Rate: £39.04 per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

The London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Safeguarding Team. This is a frontline role working with children and families where there are identified safeguarding concerns, requiring confident assessment, effective planning, and strong multi-agency collaboration.

You will manage Child in Need and Child Protection cases, complete statutory work, and contribute to timely, child-centred decision-making within a supportive and well-established service.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of Child in Need and Child Protection cases.
Undertake Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries.
Develop, implement, and review robust safeguarding and protection plans.
Carry out direct work with children and families, ensuring the child’s voice is central.
Prepare high-quality, analytical reports for conferences, reviews, and legal processes.
Work collaboratively with partner agencies including health, education, and police.
Maintain accurate and timely case recording in line with statutory requirements.

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
Proven experience working within Safeguarding / Child Protection services.
Strong assessment, planning, and risk management skills.
Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to statutory timescales.
Confidence working collaboratively with multi-agency partners.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Practice Model Used by Merton

Merton operates a Signs of Safety practice framework, underpinned by relationship-based and systemic social work principles. This approach promotes strengths-based practice, clear risk analysis, collaborative working with families, and reflective professional judgement.

Why Merton Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Merton offers an excellent balance between London living and green, community-focused neighbourhoods. Benefits include:

Excellent transport links into central London and across the South West.
Access to green spaces such as Wimbledon Common and Morden Hall Park.
A strong sense of community with family-friendly residential areas.
A supportive local authority committed to high-quality practice and workforce wellbeing.
Competitive locum rates and a stable, well-managed service.