Social Worker - Lambeth Council

Job Title: Social Worker – Children in Care

Location: London Borough of Lambeth
Team: Children’s Services – Children in Care Team
Contract Type: Locum / Agency
Rate: Up to £39.04 per hour
Work Model: Hybrid – typically 2–3 days per week in the office

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Introduction

Lambeth Council is recruiting an experienced and dedicated Social Worker to join their Children in Care (CiC) Team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a borough committed to improving outcomes for looked after children through a relationship-based, restorative, and trauma-informed practice model. The role offers a competitive rate of up to £39.04 per hour, alongside flexible hybrid working and access to a supportive management structure that prioritises professional growth and reflective supervision.

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About the Role

As a Children in Care Social Worker, you will be responsible for managing a caseload of children and young people who are looked after by the local authority. You will ensure that care planning is purposeful, child-focused, and aligned with statutory requirements under the Children Act 1989 and Care Planning Regulations.

Working closely with foster carers, residential providers, schools, and partner agencies, you will promote stability, permanence, and positive outcomes for children and young people in care.

The role is ideal for an experienced practitioner who is passionate about building strong relationships with children and families and who embraces Lambeth’s Looked After Children Practice Model.

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Lambeth’s Looked After Children Practice Model

Lambeth’s Looked After Children Practice Model is built on relationship-based, restorative, and trauma-informed principles that put the child at the centre of all work.

Key elements include:

• Relational Practice: Building and sustaining trusting relationships with children, families, and carers.
• Restorative Practice: Working collaboratively to repair harm and build resilience.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Understanding the impact of trauma and responding sensitively to promote healing and stability.
• Systemic and Strengths-Based Thinking: Considering the child within their wider network and focusing on their strengths.
• Participation and Voice: Ensuring that children and young people are active participants in all care planning and decision-making.

This model underpins Lambeth’s vision for every child in care to experience consistent, meaningful relationships and achieve lasting positive outcomes.

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Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children and young people who are looked after, ensuring all statutory duties are met.
• Undertake regular visits and direct work to build meaningful relationships with children, families, and carers.
• Prepare and implement Care Plans, Placement Plans, and Pathway Plans, ensuring these are reviewed and updated regularly.
• Contribute to Looked After Reviews, Permanency Planning, and Court Proceedings where required.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to promote children’s educational, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
• Undertake life-story work and direct interventions that strengthen identity and belonging.
• Prepare high-quality reports, assessments, and evidence for court and review panels.
• Promote permanency through stable placements and transitions into adulthood.

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Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
• Minimum 2 years’ post-qualified experience in Children’s Social Care, ideally in Looked After Children, Permanency, or Safeguarding teams
• Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, Care Planning Regulations, and statutory responsibilities for looked after children
• Excellent relationship-building, assessment, and report-writing skills
• Experience of multi-agency working to support holistic outcomes for children

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Lambeth’s Looked After Children Practice Model
• Experience supporting children transitioning to independence or leaving care
• Knowledge of Mosaic or similar case management systems

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Why Work With Lambeth?

• Competitive pay of up to £39.04 per hour
• Progressive restorative and trauma-informed practice model
• Supportive, reflective management and regular supervision
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional growth and continued learning
• Stable and collaborative team culture focused on achieving positive outcomes for children