Social Worker – Children in Care
(London Borough of Merton)

Pay Rate: Up to £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 Social Worker to join its Children in Care Team on a locum basis. This service is dedicated to supporting children and young people in care to achieve stability, security, and the best possible outcomes for their futures.

You’ll manage a caseload of looked-after children, undertake statutory visits, complete assessments, and develop robust care and pathway plans. The role offers a supportive and collaborative working environment with regular reflective supervision and opportunities for professional growth.

With 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working remotely, you’ll enjoy a healthy balance between teamwork and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake statutory visits, assessments, and reviews for children in care.
• Ensure the child’s voice is central to all planning and decision-making.
• Develop and implement effective care and pathway plans in line with legislation.
• Work closely with foster carers, schools, health professionals, and partner agencies.
• Prepare evidence-based reports for reviews, panels, and court proceedings.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records using Mosaic, Merton’s case management system.
• Engage in reflective supervision and contribute to continuous service improvement.

Practice Model & System Used

Merton’s practice is underpinned by a Strengths-Based and Relationship-Based Practice Model, supported by the Signs of Safety framework. This approach promotes collaboration with families and young people, building on their strengths to achieve sustainable positive change.

All case management is completed on Mosaic, enabling efficient information sharing and integrated multi-agency working.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Experience working within Children in Care / Looked After Children services.
• Strong assessment, planning, and risk management skills.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with children and families.
• Confidence using electronic case management systems (Mosaic experience desirable).

Benefits

• Competitive locum rate – up to £39.04 per hour.
• Full-time contract – 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid working (3 days office-based).
• Reflective supervision and a supportive management team.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.

About Merton

Situated in South West London, Merton offers an exceptional blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. Home to the world-famous Wimbledon, Merton is known for its green open spaces, excellent schools, and strong community spirit. With Morden Hall Park and Wimbledon Common on your doorstep and fast transport links into Central London, it’s an ideal place to both live and work.

The Council is committed to high standards of practice, staff wellbeing, and continued investment in children’s services — making Merton an excellent choice for dedicated social work professionals.

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.