Senior Social Worker - London

Senior Social Worker – Family Safeguarding
London Borough of Newham | Locum | Up to £39.04 per hour
Hybrid Working – 2 Days per Week in the Office

The London Borough of Newham is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join their Family Safeguarding Team on a locum basis. This is a great opportunity to work in a forward-thinking borough committed to systemic practice, restorative relationships, and inclusive services for children and families.

About the Role:

You will play a key role in supporting children at risk by working closely with families, professionals, and your team to deliver strong, strengths-based interventions.

Key responsibilities:

• Hold a manageable caseload of complex child protection and CIN cases
• Complete assessments, safeguarding plans, and direct work with families
• Lead on conferences, legal planning, and pre-proceedings
• Support and mentor less experienced staff when needed
• Maintain timely, high-quality records and reports
• Work collaboratively with adult specialists as part of the Family Safeguarding model

Practice Model:

Newham delivers services through a restorative, relational approach, underpinned by the Family Safeguarding model. The approach brings adult-focused practitioners (mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse) into children’s social work teams to deliver truly joined-up support. The model aims to reduce repeat intervention and build long-term resilience in families.

Requirements:

• Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration
• Strong experience in safeguarding or family support settings
• Knowledge of the Family Safeguarding model and systemic practice
• Skilled in court work, care planning, and risk management
• Passion for working collaboratively with families and professionals

Benefits:

• Up to £39.04 per hour
• Hybrid model – 2 days per week in the office
• Supportive leadership and reflective supervision
• 6-month initial contract

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Interested?
Contact Maddie Billingham at Sheldon Phillips:
Phone: 01635 2262350
Email: mbillingham@sheldon-phillips.com

We offer up to £500 for successful referrals.