Lewisham Council
Social Worker, CLA 16+ UASC And Leaving Care - Corporate Parenting
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Senior Social Worker – Children Looked After (16+), UASC & Leaving Care
[Lewisham Council]
Discover yourself in Lewisham
Where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant, culturally diverse communities! As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, we champion the rights of refugees, migrants, and children across the borough.
Introduction
As part of Lewisham’s Children and Young People’s Directorate, this role focuses on the statutory social work service for children, young people (aged 16+), and their families/carers. This includes assessments, interventions, case planning, reviews, and coordination for:
- Children Looked After (CLA)
- Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)
- Young people leaving care
Working in collaboration with foster carers, birth families, adopters, special guardians, along with education/health colleagues and partners, you’ll ensure trauma-informed, relational practice—central to Lewisham’s ethos of inclusion and equity.
Social workers ensure children receive coordinated support, aligned with the borough’s commitment to safeguarding, free movement, and systemic trauma awareness. The service is supported by a dedicated CLA team, leaving care nurse, career coaches, and mentoring services, all co-located at the CLA/Leaving Care Hub.
What’s the Role?
As a Senior Social Worker in the 16+ CLA, UASC and Leaving Care Service, you’ll lead statutory child protection and leaving care responsibilities. You’ll:
- Deliver assessments and interventions to meet corporate parenting and safeguarding duties.
- Work holistically, addressing the complex issues faced by young people.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, housing, education and health services to safeguard and empower children and families.
- Advocate for best outcomes, ensuring personalised care plans.
- Develop, mentor, and lead teams, setting the standard for evidenced trauma-informed practice.
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Key specificties include:
- Direct work with children, young people, and their carers.
- Hybrid working model (in-office + flexible remote support).
What’s in it for you?
Lewisham offers excellent benefits, including:
- Generous holiday allowance (26 days + bank holidays)*
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies (childcare, maternity/paternity leave, etc.)
- Season ticket loan scheme (transit assistance)
- Bicycle loan scheme
- Local staff discounts (gym memberships, retail deals)
- Supportive staff networks and team-building opportunities
- Opportunities to contribute to meaningful, civic impact through relational and anti-discriminatory practice
*Length varies for part-time roles.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a dedicated, compassionate professional with:
Key Qualifications & Experience
- A degree in social work (or equivalent qualification).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Enhanced DBS check eligibility.
- Supplementary application process via person specification criteria.
Essential Skills
A proven record in:
- Safeguarding with statutory child care underpinnings
- Current UK legislation and practice (e.g., Children Acts, Care Planning reforms).
- Working with UASC, care leavers, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Evidence-based social work practice, with robust supervision structure.
- Leadership and mentorship of emerging professionals.
- Collaborative partnerships with health, schools, and carers.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion—especially in Lewisham’s ethos.
Location
Office: 43–45 Bromley Road, Catford (SE6 2UA).
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Travel:
- One stop from London Bridge (~15 mins), with Catford Bridge/Thamesmead stations 7–10 mins walk.
- Multiple bus services stop directly outside the building.
Contract:
- Hybrid model (in-office participation + remote work).
Special Conditions
Please ensure you: ✅ Have a Social Work England registration. ✅ Are fully compliant with enhanced DBS checks. ✅ Complete details of a disability/access need upfront for adjustments.
Lewisham is a Disability Confident Employer—reasonable adjustments will be made throughout recruitment.
Recruitment is anonymous—CVs are not accepted. Submissions must be accompanied by a full supporting statement outlining how you meet each person specification criterion.
Salary & Benefits
- £45,852–£47,925 per annum (Spinal Column Point range 31-33).
- Full benefits package, including paid leave, pension, discounts and management support.
Note: Salary offers are typically new starters at the minimum point. Some roles with current council employees may be equivalent, subject to salary banding evidence.
Interested?
For informal enquiries: 📧 Sharon Chambers (Human Resources) Sharon.Chambers@lewisham.gov.uk
To apply: Check [✏ Person Specification full details]. Read the Applicant Handbook and ensure your submission:
- Aligns with the 10 required criteria.
- Demonstrates how you meet each listed responsibility.
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