Adult Social Worker Locum - Southwark (Older People & PD)
Rate: £36 per hour
Contract: Locum
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
Hybrid Working: Minimum 2 days office‑based, 3 days working from home
Location: 132 Queens Road (QR1), Southwark, SE15 2HP
Organisation: Southwark Council
Recruiter: Caritas Recruitment
Caritas Recruitment is recruiting a qualified Adult Social Worker to join Southwark Council's Older People and Physical Disabilities Service on a locum basis. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a well‑established service that supports older adults and adults with physical disabilities, delivering longer‑term, complex social work interventions within a strengths‑based framework.
The role is based at Queens Road, Southwark, with a hybrid working arrangement. Team meetings and supervision are held in person, supporting reflective practice and professional development.
The Role
You will join the Case Management Team, providing longer‑term (6 weeks or more) statutory social work interventions. The team supports adults with physical disabilities, older adults, and individuals with co‑existing mental health or substance misuse needs.
The service works to a strengths‑based, relationship‑centred practice model, recognising the skills, resilience and lived experience that adults bring, and building on these to promote independence, choice and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake statutory social work duties including:
Care Act assessments and reviews
Analysis, support planning and commissioning
Risk assessment and risk management
Safeguarding enquiries and investigations
Work with relevant legal frameworks, statutory guidance and departmental policies to deliver outcome‑focused planning
Work directly with adults, carers and families to:
Support informed decision‑making
Promote choice, control and independence
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary and partner agencies to support complex needs
Maintain accurate, timely and high‑quality case recording
Prepare reports for panels and court where required
What We're Looking For
Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
Experience working within Adult Social Care, ideally with older adults and/or physical disabilities
Strong understanding of Care Act 2014 duties and safeguarding practice
Ability to manage complex, longer‑term casework
Confident working both autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team
Strong communication, assessment and recording skills
What Southwark Offers
Extensive training and development opportunities, including in‑person, Microsoft Teams‑led and e‑learning aligned to CPD
A strong emphasis on strengths‑based practice and professional excellence
Flexible working arrangements agreed with your line manager
Access to a Team Oyster card for travel during community visits
Regular reflective supervision and a supportive leadership structure
Excellent transport links - Queens Road office located opposite Queens Road station, with direct links to London Bridge and Canada Water
A diverse and meaningful caseload supporting ongoing professional development
A strong organisational commitment to social justice, inclusion and staff wellbeing
Why Work with Natalie at Caritas Recruitment?
I specialise in Adult Social Work recruitment and work in genuine partnership with the people I represent.
I believe recruitment should be transparent and straightforward - with honest conversations, clear information on roles and rates, and no pressure to take something that isn't right for you.
My focus is always on supporting the right move for you.
If you value clarity, professionalism and open communication, we're likely to work well together.
For more information on this role or for a discussion about opportunities across England and Wales please contact Natalie at Caritas Recruitment - n.duckett @ (url removed) / (phone number removed)
Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy