London, South East England

39.57 - 39.57 GBP Per Hour

Children's Services

Contract

Reference 2869

Social Worker – Assessment Team
(London Borough of Merton)

Pay Rate: Up to £39.57 per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week, hybrid working (3 days office-based)
Contract: Locum

About the Role

The London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Assessment Team on a locum basis. This service plays a vital role in undertaking timely assessments to ensure children and families receive the right level of support at the right time.

You’ll be responsible for completing robust Child and Family Assessments, managing risk, and developing clear plans to promote children’s safety and wellbeing. The role offers a supportive team environment with strong management oversight, reflective supervision, and a clear commitment to high-quality, relationship-based practice.

With 3 days a week in the office and 2 days working from home, this position provides a healthy balance between flexibility and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake timely and comprehensive Child and Family Assessments.
Make clear, evidence-based recommendations regarding children’s safety and support needs.
Develop and review plans that promote positive outcomes for children and families.
Work closely with children, families, and partner agencies to provide coordinated support.
Attend and contribute to strategy meetings, conferences, and reviews.
Prepare high-quality reports and statements for court proceedings, where required.
Maintain accurate case records using Merton’s case management system, Mosaic.

Practice Model & System Used

Merton’s practice model is grounded in Strengths-Based and Relationship-Based Practice, supported by the Signs of Safety framework. This approach focuses on working collaboratively with families, identifying strengths, and empowering them to make sustainable changes that keep children safe and thriving.

All case management is completed on Mosaic, enabling efficient recording and seamless information sharing across services.

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
Experience in Assessment / Frontline social work teams.
Strong analytical, assessment, and decision-making skills.
Ability to engage effectively with children and families under pressure.
Proficiency in using electronic case management systems (Mosaic experience desirable).

Benefits

Competitive locum rate – up to £39.57 per hour.
Full-time contract – 35 hours per week.
Hybrid working (3 days office-based).
Supportive management and reflective supervision.
Opportunity to work within a dynamic and high-performing team.

About Merton

Located in South West London, Merton offers a welcoming and community-focused environment, combining urban accessibility with green suburban charm. The borough is home to Wimbledon, world-famous for its tennis championships, as well as beautiful open spaces such as Morden Hall Park and Wimbledon Common.

With excellent transport links into Central London and a strong local commitment to supporting children and families, Merton is a fantastic place to both work and live. The Council has a reputation for stability, innovation, and a genuine focus on workforce wellbeing and development.