Location
Walthamstow, London

Hours
Full-time permanent, 36 hours per week

Salary
PO1 – PO4 £41,133 - £52,194 per annum
Retention Bonus: £3,000 per year paid in two instalments of £1,500

About the Role
We are seeking dedicated, qualified, and experienced Social Workers to join our Corporate Parenting teams within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a forward-thinking Children’s Directorate committed to improving the lives of children in care and their families. Our service is supportive, focused, and inspirational, with a shared purpose to nurture independence and freedom of choice for children, young people, and families, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.

As part of our team, you will undertake statutory social work with Looked After Children, providing support, assessment, and interventions to secure their welfare. You will be responsible for assessments, care planning, attending court hearings, and promoting placement stability and permanence. We encourage creativity and innovation in social work practice, supporting you to share ideas and continuously improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Our Council is committed to creating a healthy, fair, and inclusive workplace, recognised as one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. We value diversity and strive to reflect the communities we serve at all levels of our workforce.

Experience
- Proven social work experience or placement in children and families settings with a minimum of one year’s post-qualifying experience
- Knowledge and experience of issues relating to children in need, child protection, and looked-after children, including relevant legislation, guidance, and procedures
- Experience delivering culturally sensitive services responsive to a multi-cultural community
- Ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure
- Experience managing quality services and meeting key performance indicators
- Ability to work well within a team and maintain clear reporting lines
- Agile behaviours with the ability to respond effectively to change
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Commitment to participation of children, young people, and families at individual and service levels
- Flexibility to work unsocial hours in rare emergency situations

About you
Dedicated, creative, and motivated social worker passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and families. You are committed to continuous professional development and embrace innovation and best practice in social work.

Qualifications
- Relevant social work qualification and registration with a professional body
- Understanding of the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and other relevant legislation and guidance (desirable)
- Awareness of current childcare policy and practice (desirable)
- Commitment to equal opportunities and practical application of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy
- Understanding and compliance with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Enhanced DBS check required
- Suitable driver’s licence desirable but not essential
- Fluency in spoken English sufficient for effective role performance