Social Worker - Assessment and Intake Team

The Role

Do you see yourself making a real difference to the lives of older adults and people with physical disabilities?

Can you use your social work expertise to provide timely, strength-based assessments and support?

Does the idea of joining a supportive, dynamic, and community-focused team appeal to you?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Older People and Physical Disabilities (OPPD) Assessment & Intake Team is looking for passionate and dedicated Social Workers to join our amazing team and help make a difference today!

About the Role:

As a Social Worker within the Assessment & Intake Team, you will:

• Hold a varied caseload, completing Care Act Assessments, Carers Assessments and Short-term intervention work (up to eight - twelve weeks).
• Undertake unscheduled reviews of care and present packages for funding approval.
• Complete Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interest Decisions.
• Carry out initial safeguarding enquiries
• Arrange care home placements and work closely with families and community resources to promote independence.
• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, health partners, and community agencies to deliver effective, person-centred support.

You’ll play a key role in stabilising complex cases, ensuring they are ready for transfer to longer-term teams where appropriate.

About You:

We’re looking for social workers who are:

• Experienced in managing complex OPPD caseloads (minimum of 2 years post-ASYE).
• Skilled in safeguarding investigations and strength-based assessments.
• Confident in using IT databases such as Mosaic or Liquid Logic.

• Excellent communicators who can build trust and work collaboratively with individuals, carers, and professionals.
• Creative problem solvers who can think innovatively to meet service users’ needs.
• Committed to upholding Southwark’s values of inclusion, empowerment, and accountability.

About the Team:

The Assessment & Intake Team is a vibrant, fast-paced service at the heart of the community. We provide an initial assessment function for the OPPD Service, delivering short-term interventions that promote independence and wellbeing. Our team includes both Social Workers and Occupational Therapists who work collaboratively to deliver holistic support.

We pride ourselves on being supportive, flexible, and development-focused. You’ll be part of a team that values your expertise, offers opportunities to lead short-term projects, and supports your ongoing professional development.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

What We Offer

• Access to My Learning – a wide range of high-quality training and CPD opportunities.
• Flexible working – currently two days in the office, three from home.
• Team Oyster card for work-related travel.
• Laptop and work smartphone provided.
• Supportive and understanding management structure.
• Opportunities for career development and potential transition to permanent roles.
• Competitive hourly rate.
• Excellent transport links – our Queens Road office is just opposite Queens Road station, minutes from London Bridge and Canada Water.
• Varied and rewarding cases that support your professional growth.

Contact Information:

For additional information about this role, please contact Jo Shorey at Jo.Shorey@southwark.gov.uk.

Additional Information:

• Enhanced DBS required

Recruitment Open Day - 5th November 2025

We’re excited to invite qualified social work professionals to our Recruitment Open Day on Tuesday 5th November! This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the team, discover more about the Assessment & Intake Team, from within the Older Persons and Physical Disabilities Service, and see first-hand the rewarding work we do.

Attendance is by registration only, and full details will be provided once your place is confirmed.

Formal interviews will follow the week after, giving you the chance to take the next step in your career. If you’re ready to join a supportive and dynamic team, apply now, and we’ll be in touch to reserve your spot at the open day.

Recruitment Timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 31st October 2025

Recruitment Open Day: 5th November 2025 (see below for details)

Interview date/s: w/c 10th November 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Attachments

• Please click here to view the Job Description