Location
London Borough of Croydon

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
Grade 11-14 (£48,519 - £57,150 per annum) depending on experience

About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and child-focused Social Worker to join our innovative Court and Early Permanence Team, a specialist service dedicated to improving outcomes for children whose care plans are adoption. You will work with children subject to Placement Orders, writing Child Permanence Reports (CPRs), life story work, and have a strong background in care proceedings. This permanent role offers the opportunity to contribute to high quality relational practice and create trusting relationships with children under 16 in care.

Croydon Council is committed to delivering good sustainable services by balancing its finances, listening to residents, and working in partnership with diverse communities and businesses. Our priorities include strengthening collaboration with partner organisations, embedding good governance, and developing a workforce that respects community diversity. The role supports key business outcomes such as enabling children and young people to thrive and ensuring Croydon is a cleaner, safer, and healthier place to live.

Croydon Council supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements and is an inclusive employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check if required.

Experience
Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, preferably having completed ASYE. Experience working with children subject to Placement Orders, writing CPRs, and life story work is essential. Prior experience working with children looked after and unaccompanied children in the UK is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate good knowledge and skills in frontline social work settings, working with complex and diverse needs and risks, and making effective and timely decisions including in contextual safeguarding.

About you
Committed to high quality relational practice with a natural ability to create trusting relationships with children. Able to work positively with partner agencies and collaboratively with children and their families. Strong understanding of legislative frameworks, relevant research, national developments, and policies relating to children’s social work.

Qualifications
Qualified Social Worker with up-to-date registration with Social Work England. Knowledge of national policy, strategy, and developments regarding children’s social care and related areas. Understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, standards, and procedures. Ability to maintain accurate records that evidence engagement with children and families and support quality assurance frameworks.