Location
London Borough of Lewisham, primarily based at Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU. This role operates a hybrid working approach requiring regular office and home working.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£51,831 - £53,994 per annum (SSW/ SCP 35-37). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role unless matching current salary with evidential proof.

About the Role
Discover yourself in Lewisham where your work makes a difference to vibrant and culturally diverse communities. Lewisham is proud to be the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Multi Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPT) as part of the DfE Pathfinder project. This role is key to supporting team development and influencing social work practice locally and nationally.

The Senior Social Worker will work closely with the Family Help service and multi-agency partners to safeguard children in Lewisham. Responsibilities include chairing or attending strategy discussions, co-working s47 enquiries and child protection cases, chairing child protection conferences, providing quality assurance, consultation and advice, and co-working Public Law Outline cases and early care proceedings.

This role requires strong practice knowledge, a proactive approach, and the ability to contribute positively to a multi-agency team culture. You will develop and maintain effective relationships with children’s social care teams and partner agencies such as health, education, and the police.

Lewisham Children’s Social Care is committed to creating the right conditions and culture for good social work practice. Our vision includes supporting families to stay together safely, ensuring children understand the involvement of social workers, and providing care and confidence for children and young people in our care.

We value diversity and inclusion, striving to create an inclusive Lewisham where everyone is respected and valued regardless of background.

Experience
Minimum 2 years post-qualifying experience in frontline safeguarding practice.
Experience working with families in Public Law Outline (PLO) and care proceedings.
Experience in supervising or developing less experienced staff.
Proven frontline operational safeguarding experience with a thorough knowledge of child protection and PLO/court processes and relevant legislation.
Experience building effective working relationships with partner agencies including health, education, and police.

About You
Registered social worker with Social Work England.
Skilled and reflective practitioner with a clear vision of good practice with children and families.
Ability to make effective decisions regarding children’s safety and support change and improvement.
Committed to promoting the safety and potential of all children and young people in Lewisham.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-agency team and contribute to a positive team culture.
Strong knowledge of Working Together 2023, Pan London Child Protection Procedures, and other safeguarding statutory guidance.
Understanding and application of the Signs of Safety practice framework.
Professional curiosity, balanced and calm thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Child-focused approach ensuring children’s views are central to service delivery.

Qualifications
Degree in social work or equivalent qualification.
Registered with Social Work England.
Subject to enhanced DBS check.