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 highly ambitious borough that values culture, creativity, and innovation in building strong communities.

Our Corporate Parenting service is a supportive, focused, and inspirational environment where you can develop your career and make a real difference in the lives of children in care and their families. We are committed to nurturing independence and freedom of choice for children, young people, and families, working collaboratively to maintain a centre of excellence and best practice.

We encourage creativity and innovation in social work practice, supporting you to share ideas, drive positive change, and continuously improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Key responsibilities include undertaking statutory social work with Looked After Children, assessing their needs, providing interventions, attending court hearings, ensuring timely reports and care plans, promoting placement stability and permanence, and safeguarding through adherence to child protection procedures.

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 and adaptable to change
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Commitment to participation of children, young people, and families at individual and service levels
- Willingness to work flexible or unsocial hours in rare emergency situations

About you
You are a dedicated, creative, and motivated social worker who is passionate about improving the lives of children and families. You embrace innovation and collaboration, and you are committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive services that meet diverse community needs.

Qualifications
- Relevant social work qualification and continued professional body registration
- 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 and safer recruitment practices apply
- Suitable driver’s license desirable but not essential
- Fluent spoken English sufficient for effective role performance