Merton

Experienced Social Worker – Safeguarding Team

Pay Rate: £39.04 per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Locum

About the Role

The London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join its Safeguarding Team. This is a frontline role working with children and families where there are identified safeguarding concerns, requiring confident assessment, effective planning, and strong multi-agency collaboration.

You will manage Child in Need and Child Protection cases, complete statutory work, and contribute to timely, child-centred decision-making within a supportive and well-established service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Child in Need and Child Protection cases.
• Undertake Child and Family Assessments and Section 47 enquiries.
• Develop, implement, and review robust safeguarding and protection plans.
• Carry out direct work with children and families, ensuring the child’s voice is central.
• Prepare high-quality, analytical reports for conferences, reviews, and legal processes.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies including health, education, and police.
• Maintain accurate and timely case recording in line with statutory requirements.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Proven experience working within Safeguarding / Child Protection services.
• Strong assessment, planning, and risk management skills.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to statutory timescales.
• Confidence working collaboratively with multi-agency partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Practice Model Used by Merton

Merton operates a Signs of Safety practice framework, underpinned by relationship-based and systemic social work principles. This approach promotes strengths-based practice, clear risk analysis, collaborative working with families, and reflective professional judgement.

Why Merton Is a Great Place to Live and Work

Merton offers an excellent balance between London living and green, community-focused neighbourhoods. Benefits include:

• Excellent transport links into central London and across the South West.
• Access to green spaces such as Wimbledon Common and Morden Hall Park.
• A strong sense of community with family-friendly residential areas.
• A supportive local authority committed to high-quality practice and workforce wellbeing.
• Competitive locum rates and a stable, well-managed service.

Interested?

If you would like to apply, please send your CV to
dmitchell@sheldon-phillips.com

If you would like to discuss the role further, feel free to call
07561 805654