Senior Social Worker - Assessment

Senior Social Worker
London Borough of Barnet 
Referral and Assessment
£38.50 per hour (Locum, Hybrid Working)

Sheldon Phillips is currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Referral and Assessment Team at the London Borough of Barnet. This is a locum position offering a hybrid working arrangement, with a focus on conducting thorough assessments to ensure the safety and welfare of children and families.

Role and Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and families referred to the team under the Children Act 1989, including Section 47 investigations and Section 17 assessments.
  • Work in line with the Barnet Family Support Model, focusing on early intervention, prevention, and strength-based practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
  • Manage a complex caseload of referrals and assessments, ensuring thorough decision-making based on statutory frameworks and best practice.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, including strategy meetings, child protection conferences, and initial child protection meetings to ensure coordinated responses to safeguarding concerns.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports for court hearings and child protection meetings, ensuring that the voice of the child is central to the assessment process.
  • Provide supervision and guidance to junior social workers and ASYE students, supporting their professional development within the team.
  • Review and update assessments and care plans in line with new information or changes in circumstances.
  • Ensure that all case records are up to date and meet the London Borough of Barnet's documentation and legislative requirements.

Requirements

  • Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
  • Significant experience working in a Referral and Assessment Team within a statutory setting.
  • Strong knowledge of the Barnet Family Support Model, safeguarding protocols, and statutory assessment frameworks (e.g., Section 47 and Section 17).
  • Proven experience in conducting child protection investigations and writing court reports.
  • Ability to manage a high caseload and make decisions under pressure while maintaining professional standards.
  • Experience of supervision and mentoring junior staff or students is highly desirable.

What’s on Offer?

  • £38.50 per hour (locum).
  • Hybrid working.
  • Competitive referral bonus – earn up to £500 for referring suitable candidates.
  • Supportive management and professional development opportunities within a well-established team.

For more information or to apply, contact Josh Da Costa on 01635 226350 or send your CV to jdacosta@sheldon-phillips.com.