Senior Social Worker - Child Protection / Children In Need

Senior Social Worker – Child in Need / Child Protection
(London Borough of Croydon)

Pay Rate: Up to £39.04 per hour
Hours: 36 hours per week, hybrid working (3 days office-based)
Contract: Locum

About the Role

The London Borough of Croydon is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join its Child in Need / Child Protection Team on a locum basis. This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy, supportive service that’s committed to safeguarding children and empowering families to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.

You’ll manage a varied caseload of children in need and children subject to child protection plans, undertaking assessments, implementing interventions, and working closely with families and partner agencies to reduce risk and improve wellbeing.

With hybrid working (3 days office-based), this role offers flexibility alongside strong team support and reflective supervision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Complete high-quality assessments under Section 17 and Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.
  • Develop and implement Child in Need and Child Protection plans.
  • Undertake direct work with children and families to promote safety and stability.
  • Work collaboratively with health, education, and police partners to safeguard children.
  • Prepare clear, evidence-based reports for conferences, reviews, and court proceedings.
  • Maintain accurate case records using Croydon’s case management system, Liquidlogic.
  • Participate in reflective supervision and contribute to ongoing service improvement.

Practice Model & System Used

Croydon operates a Signs of Safety practice model — a strengths-based, relationship-focused approach designed to work collaboratively with families to identify solutions and build on existing strengths. The model encourages meaningful engagement and promotes sustainable, positive change.

All case management is carried out using Liquidlogic, a user-friendly and efficient system supporting effective multi-agency working.

Requirements

  • Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
  • Proven experience within Child in Need / Child Protection services.
  • Strong skills in assessment, planning, and risk management.
  • Ability to build relationships and work effectively with families under pressure.
  • Familiarity with electronic case management systems (Liquidlogic experience desirable).

Benefits

  • Competitive locum rate – up to £39.04 per hour.
  • Full-time contract – 36 hours per week.
  • Hybrid working (3 days office-based).
  • Supportive management structure with reflective supervision.
  • Opportunity to contribute to meaningful change for children and families in Croydon.

About Croydon

Located in South London, Croydon is one of the capital’s largest and most diverse boroughs — offering a vibrant urban environment with plenty of green spaces such as Lloyd Park and Addington Hills. With excellent transport links into Central London and the South Coast, it’s a great place to live and work.

Croydon Council is firmly committed to improving outcomes for children and families through strong leadership, restorative practice, and a workforce that is well-supported and valued.

Interested?

If you’d like to apply, please email your CV to dmitchell@sheldon-phillips.com
or click the Apply button.

Questions?
Call me on 07561 805654 and I’ll be happy to talk things through.