Location
43 – 45 Bromley Road, Catford SE6, London. The office is a 7-10 minute walk from two local train stations, with a 15-minute train journey from London Bridge. Numerous bus routes also stop near the office. The role operates a hybrid working approach, requiring regular work both in the office and from home.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£50,175 - £52,269 per annum (SCP 35-37 / SSW). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point for the grade unless matching current salary with evidential proof.

About the Role
Join Lewisham Council and make a difference to a vibrant, culturally diverse community recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary. As a Senior Social Worker within the Corporate Parenting Service, you will provide accountable statutory social work services to Children Looked After (16+), Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), and those Leaving Care. This role involves assessment, intervention, case/pathway planning, and review, working closely with CLA teams, Independent Reviewing Officers, specialist services, and external agencies.

You will undertake direct work with children, young people, and their carers, supervise social workers, students, and personal advisors, and manage complex cases with high risk. Your work will contribute to delivering statutory social work and leaving care responsibilities aligned with Lewisham’s Corporate Parenting and related strategies.

Lewisham is a wave 2 Pathfinder authority leading national reforms through the Families First for Children programme. The service embraces a Signs of Safety practice model, promoting relationship-based, family-led work to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.

Ofsted has recognised Lewisham’s significant improvements in children’s services, highlighting strong leadership, workforce stability, and culturally sensitive social work approaches. The Council supports a positive learning culture with manageable caseloads, regular supervision, and extensive training opportunities.

Benefits include generous leave entitlement, Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working and family-friendly policies, season ticket and bicycle loans, staff discounts, and supportive staff networks.

Experience
- Proven background in safeguarding and statutory social work
- Experience working with Children Looked After, Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children, and Care Leavers
- Expertise in supporting unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers
- Leadership experience including supervising students and newly qualified social workers

About you
- Confident in delivering effective, trauma-informed practice
- Curious and holistic approach to supporting children and young people
- Committed to partnership working, clear decision making, and embedding evidence-based practice
- Values communication, feedback, inclusivity, and collaboration
- Motivates and inspires colleagues and contributes positively to the service culture
- Professionally curious, reflective, and solution-focused

Qualifications
- Social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
- Subject to Basic/Enhanced DBS check