Introduction
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. We are proud to be recognized as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary for our work championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Make a real impact for children and families affected by parental substance misuse. We’re looking for 2 experienced and dynamic Social Workers to join our specialist Family Wellbeing Team, part of our innovative Family Help service. Our team provides intensive, multi‑disciplinary support to improve the safety and wellbeing of children whose parents or carers are impacted by drug or alcohol use—offering earlier, easier access to the right help and reducing the need for traditional child protection processes.
About The Role
As a Social Worker, you will work directly with children, young people and their families using relational, trauma‑informed and strength‑based approaches. You will contribute to high‑quality assessments and interventions, build strong multi‑agency partnerships, and support families to make sustainable changes. You’ll also take an active role in reflective practice within the team, helping to develop innovative approaches to supporting families affected by substance misuse.
What You’ll Bring
* Experience working with children and families
* Ability to develop confidence and skill in supporting families affected by substance misuse
* A reflective, innovative approach and commitment to anti‑racist, restorative practice
* Ability to work under CIN, CP and legal frameworks
What We Offer
* Specialised training in parental substance misuse and motivational interviewing
* Fortnightly reflective group supervision
* Close support from Lewisham’s Hidden Harm Social Worker
* Strong links with substance misuse and adult mental health services
* Excellent benefits including generous annual leave, LGPS pension, flexible working, staff discounts and more
About You
* A minimum of 2 years post‑qualifying Social Work practice and experience of managing a frontline safeguarding caseload
* Working with parents who have complex needs where there is a risk of significant harm to their children
* Completing parenting assessments – or other assessments of parents regarding the safety and well‑being of children for use in the Family Proceedings Court
* Using the Signs of Safety practice framework to structure your assessments and interventions with families
* Completing family network meetings to achieve the safety and well‑being of children
* Understanding of child protection processes, pre‑proceedings and giving evidence in the Family Proceedings Court
What’s in it for you?
* Families are respected and supported to stay together, whenever there is safety.
* Families will tell us they understand why we are involved.
* Children will tell us their social worker has made a difference to their lives.
* Children who are in our care know we care, and we won’t give up on them.
* Young people who have been in our care feel confident about their future.
Our Vision – What Good Children’s Social Work Looks Like in Lewisham
In Lewisham Children’s Social Care, we know what good social work looks like and we are passionate about creating the right conditions and culture for good practice to thrive.
* We have taken a whole‑system approach to improving our services to children and young people in our borough using Signs of Safety as our practice model.
* Staff talk positively about their manageable caseloads, regular supervision, team meetings and access to a range of training, including the social work model of practice.
* Senior leaders demonstrate a clear focus on hearing the voices of children to develop and improve services.
* Leaders know the service well. They have a clear understanding of areas for development that are being appropriately addressed.
Why choose Lewisham?
'Lewisham has so much to offer any social worker. I feel supported, respected and valued every step of the way'.
Our social workers benefit from working in small, supportive teams with caseloads on average between 15‑20 children. We are committed to working in a relationship‑based way with children and families, focusing on strengths in the family network to effect change. A positive learning culture that promotes opportunities for reflection and relationship‑based practice is important to us. We are committed to developing our practice using reflective practice spaces such as case mapping, thinking spaces and group supervision.
* Being supported through a comprehensive learning and development offer, including subscription to Research in Practice.
* Receiving regular supervision and appraisal.
* Having 1‑1 practice development coaching as a case holder, and professional development coaching as a manager.
* Having access to regular Signs of Safety training.
* Having access to external leadership development opportunities such as the Black and Asian Leadership Initiative (BALI).
* Having a clearly defined career progression pathway with opportunities for professional development at all levels.
* Opportunities to become a practice educator and work with students and newly qualified social workers.
What We’re Looking For
* Value communication and seek feedback.
* Can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead.
* Are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service.
* Are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way.
* Work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths.
* Take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions.
* Are transparent, appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.
Benefits
* Generous leave entitlement
* Local Government Pension scheme
* Flexible working and family friendly policies
* Season ticket and bicycle loans
* A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
* Supportive staff networks
Location
Primarily based in Laurence House in Catford, London, SE6 4RU. Two local train stations 3‑5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes that stop by the office. We operate a hybrid approach where you will work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Creating an Inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age.
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.
Special Conditions
* Must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
* Must be 2 years post‑qualified for this role.
* Job is subject to a DBS check (Enhanced).
Salary
£45,852 - £47,925 per annum (SW / SCP 31‑33). 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.
Advert Closure Notice
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
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