Senior Social Worker

Lewisham Strategic Partnership; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative council authority in London is seeking a Senior Social Worker for the Transitions Team, focused on empowering young adults with disabilities. This role involves leading assessments, providing expert support to colleagues, and advocating for seamless transitions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of challenges faced by young adults in care and possess strong communication and crisis management skills. A hybrid working model is offered in addition to a competitive salary.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local Government Pension scheme

Flexible working policies

Season ticket loans

Subsidised gym memberships

Supportive staff networks

Qualifications

• Qualified social workers must have passed AYSE.
• Strong understanding of challenges facing young adults with disabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation for adult social care.

Responsibilities

• Lead assessment and planning for young people with disabilities.
• Provide expert advice to team members on complex cases.
• Champion multi-agency working with families and partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Assessment skills

Crisis management

Collaboration

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

What’s the role?

Join our Transitions Team – Empower Young Adults to Thrive. The role is Senior Social Worker – Transition Team (Ages 18–25). You will support young adults with disabilities as they move from children’s to adult services, providing expert guidance and support to colleagues, managing a varied case load including complex cases and contributing to service development. Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and be willing to undertake practice educator training.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the assessment and planning process for young people aged 18–25 with disabilities, ensuring that all interventions are holistic and person‑centred.
• Providing expert advice and consultation to team members, supporting them with complex cases and promoting reflective practice.
• Championing multi‑agency working by collaborating closely with families, education providers, health professionals, and partner agencies to achieve seamless transitions.
• Ensuring robust application of legal frameworks, such as the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding legislation, and providing guidance to less experienced staff on these areas.
• Taking a lead role in navigating Continuing Health Care (CHC) processes, advocating for the best outcomes, and supporting the professional development of colleagues in this area.
• Contributing to service improvement initiatives, sharing best practice, and supporting the development of policies and procedures within the Transitions Team.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Social Workers registered with Social Work England, must have passed AYSE.
• Professionals seeking to advance their careers as senior social workers and broaden their expertise.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young adults with disabilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in adult social care and transitions.
• Excellent communication, assessment, and crisis management skills.
• A collaborative, person‑centred approach with a commitment to empowering young people and their families.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a forward‑thinking, supportive team that values innovation and inclusion.
• Access to continuous professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A chance to shape the future of transitions services and make a real difference in young people’s lives.

What’s In It For You

• Generous holiday allowance.
• Local Government Pension scheme.
• Flexible working and family‑friendly policies.
• Season ticket and bicycle loans.
• Local subsidised gym memberships.
• Supportive staff networks.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• Qualified Social Workers registered with Social Work England, must have passed AYSE.
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• Please note: we are only accepting applications from qualified social workers who have successfully passed their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.

The recruitment process

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs.

Contact

• Hazel Ashworth, HoS AWLD, Autism, Transitions, Deprivation of Liberty – [e-mail], Direct Line: 0208 314 8226
• Caprice Corbin, Lead Operational Manager Transitions – [e-mail], Direct line: 020 8314 9678

Salary

£50,175 to £52,269 per annum (SSW / SCP 35‑37). N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme; further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Government Administration