Senior Social Worker

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

What’s the role ?

Join Our Transitions Team – Empower Young Adults to Thrive

Senior Social Worker – Transition Team (Ages 18–25)

Are you passionate about supporting young people as they move into adulthood? We’re looking for skilled and motivated Senior Social Workers to join our Transitions Team, where you’ll play a vital role in helping young adults with disabilities navigate the journey from children’s to adult services.

We are seeking to recruit senior social workers , who is a qualified social worker, to join our team. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience, demonstrate exceptional assessment and intervention skills, and be committed to promoting best practices within social work. This role will involve providing expert guidance and support to colleagues, as well as holding a varied case load including complex cases and contributing to service development. Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification, and be registered with the relevant professional body. Applicants must be willing to undertake practice educator training.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by delivering high-quality, strengths-based social work that promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading the assessment and planning process for young people aged 18–25 with disabilities, ensuring that all interventions are holistic and person-centred.
• Providing expert advice and consultation to team members, supporting them with complex cases and promoting reflective practice.
• Championing multi-agency working by collaborating closely with families, education providers, health professionals, and partner agencies to achieve seamless transitions.
• Ensuring robust application of legal frameworks, such as the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding legislation, and providing guidance to less experienced staff on these areas.
• Taking a lead role in navigating Continuing Health Care (CHC) processes, advocating for the best outcomes, and supporting the professional development of colleagues in this area.
• Contributing to service improvement initiatives, sharing best practice, and supporting the development of policies and procedures within the Transitions Team.

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified Social Workers registered with Social Work England, must have passed AYSE.
• Professionals seeking to advance their careers as senior social workers and broaden their expertise.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young adults with disabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in adult social care and transitions.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and crisis management skills.
• A collaborative, person-centered approach with a commitment to empowering young people and their families.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking, supportive team that values innovation and inclusion.
• Access to continuous professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A chance to shape the future of transitions services and make a real difference in young people’s lives.

What’s in it for you

• Generous holiday allowance,
• Local Government Pension scheme,
• flexible working and family-friendly policies,
• season ticket and bicycle loans,
• local subsidised gym memberships
• supportive staff networks.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise and passion to a role that supports young people at a pivotal stage in their lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build brighter futures for young adults with disabilities.

Applicant handbook- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• Qualified Social Workers registered with Social Work England, must have passed AYSE
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check
• Please Note: we are only accepting applications from qualified social workers who have successfully passed their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact

• Hazel Ashworth, HoS AWLD, Autism, Transitions, Deprivation of Liberty hazel.ashworth@lewisham.gov.uk, Direct Line: 0208 314 8226
• Caprice Corbin Lead Operational Manager Transitions - Caprice.Corbin@lewisham.gov.uk Direct line: 020 8314 9678

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£50,175 to £52,269 per annum (SSW / SCP 35-37)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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