Senior Social Worker - Court Team

Senior Social Worker – Court Team
(London Borough of Sutton)

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 Sutton is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join its Court Team on a locum basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner to contribute to high-quality child protection and court work within a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

You’ll manage a caseload of care proceedings, producing robust assessments, evidence-based court statements, and detailed care plans. The team operates with a strong focus on achieving positive outcomes for children and young people through timely interventions, clear planning, and effective multi-agency collaboration.

Sutton offers a hybrid working arrangement (3 days in the office, 2 from home), providing both flexibility and close team connection.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake court-related assessments, including Section 7 and Section 37 reports.
  • Prepare high-quality court statements, chronologies, and care plans.
  • Develop and review Child Protection and Child in Need Plans.
  • Work closely with legal professionals, guardians, and other agencies.
  • Represent the local authority in court proceedings.
  • Maintain detailed case records using Liquidlogic, Sutton’s case management system.
  • Participate in reflective supervision and contribute to a learning culture within the team.

Practice Model & System Used

Sutton practices under the Restorative Practice Model, which focuses on building strong, respectful relationships with children and families, empowering them to create solutions that promote safety and wellbeing. This model supports strength-based, collaborative working — ensuring that children’s voices are central to all decisions.

Case management and recording are completed on Liquidlogic, a modern system designed to streamline workflow and enhance multi-agency communication.

Requirements

  • Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
  • Significant experience within Court / Child Protection / Safeguarding services.
  • Strong analytical, assessment, and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in complex, fast-paced situations.
  • Familiarity with Liquidlogic (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, reflective supervision and peer learning.
  • Excellent opportunity to build experience within a progressive local authority.

About Sutton

Located in South London, Sutton offers a fantastic balance between urban convenience and suburban charm. With excellent transport links into Central London, highly rated schools, and access to green spaces like Nonsuch Park and Sutton Common, it’s an ideal location for professionals looking for a great quality of life.

Sutton Council is recognised for its inclusive culture, innovative practice, and commitment to staff wellbeing. It’s a borough that values stability, invests in its workforce, and promotes professional growth — making it a great place to live, work, and build your career in social work.

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.