Senior Social Worker – Assessment Team
(London Borough of Merton)

Pay Rate: £39.04 per hour
Hours: 35 hours per week, hybrid working (3 days office-based)
Contract: Locum

About the Role

The London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join its Assessment Team on a locum basis. This frontline service is responsible for completing high-quality assessments, identifying needs, managing risk, and ensuring children and families receive timely and effective intervention.

You will hold a varied caseload, complete Child and Family Assessments, work closely with partner agencies, and contribute to decision-making that supports safe and sustainable outcomes. With three days a week in the office, you’ll benefit from strong team support, reflective supervision, and close collaboration with managers and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete Child and Family Assessments in line with statutory timescales.
• Undertake Section 17 and Section 47 enquiries and make clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Work directly with children and families to understand risk, strengths, and support needs.
• Develop outcome-focused plans that promote safety and long-term stability.
• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners including health, police, and education.
• Prepare clear and concise reports for Child Protection Conferences and legal processes.
• Maintain accurate, timely case records using Liquidlogic, Merton’s case management system.
• Engage in reflective supervision and contribute to the team’s learning culture.

Practice Model & System Used

Merton uses the Strengths-Based and Relationship-Focused Practice Model, placing emphasis on working collaboratively with families, recognising their strengths, and involving them in decision-making. This model ensures that children’s voices are central to assessments and planning, while supporting safe and sustainable change.

All recording and workflow management are completed using Liquidlogic, enabling efficient practice and strong multi-agency coordination.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Experience within Assessment / Front Door / Safeguarding services.
• Strong assessment, planning, and risk analysis skills.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and multi-agency working abilities.
• Ability to manage a fast-paced, diverse caseload with confidence.

Benefits

• Competitive rate – £39.04 per hour.
• 35-hour working week.
• Hybrid working — 3 days in the office.
• Supportive team and strong management infrastructure.
• Excellent opportunity to develop skills in a high-performing local authority.

About Merton

Merton is one of South London’s most desirable boroughs, offering a fantastic mix of vibrant town centres, peaceful residential streets, and green open spaces. With excellent transport links — including the Northern Line, Thameslink and National Rail — Merton provides easy access into central London and the surrounding areas.

Highlights include Wimbledon, beautiful parks, a strong community feel, and a council known for stability, high standards, and ongoing investment in children’s services. Merton is truly a brilliant place to live, work, and grow your social work career.