Integrated Adolescent Service Senior Social Worker

Introduction

We are seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker (SSW) to join the innovative Integrated Adolescent Service. The SSW will bring strong, in‑depth knowledge and experience of the Southwark Judgment, with a particular focus on 16–17‑year‑old homeless adolescents at risk of exploitation, harm or family breakdown. You will have significant experience working with adolescents presenting with complex safeguarding needs, including family breakdown, exploitation, missing episodes, and contextual risks.

You will be skilled in undertaking timely, high‑quality assessments within a fast‑paced environment, ensuring young people are safeguarded and supported towards stabilisation and longer‑term planning.

The successful candidate will have a clear understanding of local authority duties under the Children Act 1989, including the assessment of homeless 16–17‑year‑olds as Children in Need and, where appropriate, Looked After Children. As a senior practitioner you will provide professional leadership and case oversight, supporting social care practitioners to navigate complex Southwark Judgment cases and reduce drift. You will work closely with Housing, Family First Contact Point (FFCP) and partner agencies to ensure timely and coordinated responses for homeless young people.

This role offers the opportunity to shape strong, legally sound practice for adolescents at the point of crisis, ensuring their rights, safety and long‑term outcomes remain central to all decision‑making.

• Conduct high‑quality assessments and safeguard 16–17‑year‑olds identified as Children in Need.
• Provide case oversight and support to social care practitioners.
• Collaborate with Housing, FFCP and partner agencies for coordinated responses.
• Lead the application of Southwark Judgment and Safeguarding protocols.
• Ensure timely and legally sound interventions for homeless adolescents.

• Qualified Social Workers with a minimum of 3 years post‑qualification experience.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and contextual safeguarding.
• Excellent communication, analysis and risk assessment skills.
• A commitment to anti‑oppressive practice and young‑person‑centred approaches.

• Families are respected and supported to stay together wherever safe.
• Families understand why we are involved.
• Children feel their social worker has made a difference.
• Young people in care feel confident about their future.

Lewisham offers small, supportive teams with caseloads of 15–20 children, a relationship‑based approach using Signs of Safety, a positive learning culture and opportunities for reflective practice. Senior management is visible and approachable, with comprehensive learning and development support, regular supervision and appraisal, and access to external leadership development opportunities.

The job is primarily based in Lewisham Old Town Hall, Catford, SE6 4RU
. It operates a hybrid approach requiring regular office attendance and remote work. The office is within walking distance of two local train stations and is a 15‑minute journey from London Bridge.

• Post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
• The job is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
• Candidate must be at least 2 years post‑qualified.

The recruitment process is anonymous and CVs are not accepted. Please read the applicant handbook and ensure your supporting statement covers each person specification criterion. For an informal discussion, email Marci

£50,175 – £52,269 per annum (SSW, SCP 35–37). Minimum SCP for the role unless a higher salary can be matched with evidence.

Lewisham Council values diversity and inclusion. Freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights. All staff are valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender re‑assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity or age.

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all abilities. Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with health conditions or disabilities. We support the access to work scheme and have a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works.

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