Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Sessional work covering evenings, nights and weekends as part of the Out of Hours Service.

Salary
£50,085 per annum (pro-rata for sessional hours)

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is located less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Situated in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton offers award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing and excellent schools. The borough is known for high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key local issues and developments.

About the Borough (continued)
Sutton is investing in the health, wellbeing and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to be the world’s leading life-science district specialising in cancer research and treatment. This vision will create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. With ongoing regeneration including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to supporting residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

About the Service and Team
The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) provides essential social work cover for children across four London boroughs. The team supports children and young people living at home on a plan across various tiers of need by working in partnership with agencies, children, young people and their families. The team delivers robust assessments, SMART planning and effective interventions to achieve positive outcomes within families and communities. Using a restorative practice approach, the team collaborates with families and multi-agency colleagues to address presenting concerns and underlying difficulties.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
We have exciting opportunities for confident and skilled Social Workers to join the Children's Emergency Duty Team as sessional workers. The role involves delivering the Out of Hours Service across Sutton, Merton, Kingston and Richmond, working evenings, nights and weekends to safeguard children and young people. Reporting to a Team Manager, you will undertake carer's assessments, eligibility assessments, support planning and reviews under the Care Act 2014. You will ensure appropriate advocacy or representation to uphold individuals' human rights. Duties include responding to daily enquiries via the duty system, initial safeguarding responses, protection planning, and investigations. Collaborative working with all relevant parties is essential to enable children and families to live ordinary and fulfilled lives.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to supporting your career growth in a friendly, collaborative environment that encourages innovation and ideas. Benefits include generous annual leave (26-32 days plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part-time), enhanced family leave options, two volunteering days per year, flexible and agile working arrangements, a learning and development portal, discounts on local shops and leisure facilities, interest-free season ticket loans, Local Government Pension Scheme, bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes, electric vehicle leasing, and confidential health, wellbeing and counselling support.

Application Process
Please apply online outlining your skills, abilities and experience relevant to this role. Ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded. We value authenticity and expect personalised responses demonstrating your motivation and alignment with our PRIDE values. Applications using AI-generated content without personalisation may be rejected. We promote transparency throughout the recruitment process, which will be assessed at interview and selection stages. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

Diversity and Inclusion
We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and offer family-friendly, inclusive policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums and networks supporting diversity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria. We are an accredited London Living Wage Employer, paying the London Living Wage to all employees regardless of contract type or length.

Additional Information
The UK’s points-based immigration system affects sponsorship availability, which is subject to eligibility and budget. Sponsorship requests are considered case-by-case and cannot be guaranteed for all roles.

Experience
Proven experience as a qualified Social Worker with confidence and skill in safeguarding children and young people. Experience working within multi-agency settings and delivering out of hours social work services is desirable.

About you
Confident, skilled and motivated Social Worker committed to delivering high-quality safeguarding services. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a restorative practice approach. Flexible to work evenings, nights and weekends as required. Commitment to upholding human rights and promoting advocacy for children and families.

Qualifications
Qualified Social Worker with registration to practice. Knowledge and application of the Care Act 2014 and relevant safeguarding legislation. Commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to professional standards.