Job Description

Waltham Forest | Locum | £39.04 per hour | Hybrid Working

Waltham Forest Council is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join their Safeguarding Team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive frontline service focused on protecting children, managing risk, and delivering positive outcomes for children and families through high-quality social work practice.

You will manage a complex caseload of Child in Need, Child Protection, and court cases, working closely with children, families, and partner agencies to ensure children remain safe and achieve the best possible outcomes.

In this role, you will:

Manage a caseload of Child in Need and Child Protection cases

Undertake Section 17 and Section 47 assessments and investigations

Develop, implement, and review Child in Need and Child Protection Plans

Undertake direct work with children and families to assess risk and promote positive change

Lead and participate in multi-agency meetings, conferences, and core groups

Progress cases through pre-proceedings and care proceedings where required

Prepare high-quality court reports, assessments, and statutory documentation

Support and mentor less experienced Social Workers within the team

Maintain accurate and timely case recordings in line with statutory requirements

Work collaboratively with partner agencies to safeguard children and improve outcomes

What You’ll Need:

Social Work England Registration

Social Work Qualification

At least 3 years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social care

Significant experience within Safeguarding, CIN, and CP services

Court work and pre-proceedings experience

Ability to manage complex and high-risk cases confidently

Strong assessment, analytical, and communication skills

Experience supporting and mentoring colleagues within a team environment

Commitment to delivering high-quality, child-focused practice

Why Sheldon Phillips?

Because we actually listen to what you need. We’re not just here to fill roles—we’re here to find you the right fit in a supportive and rewarding team. That’s why social workers trust us to help them take the next step in their careers.

If you want to know more about this Senior Social Worker – Safeguarding Team role in Waltham Forest, give Ellis Russell a call on (phone number removed) – let’s have a chat!

And don’t forget – if you refer a friend and we place them, you’ll get £300 as a thank you! (Terms and conditions apply)