Overview
We are seeking experienced Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our Kinship service, supporting children and families through assessment, care planning and court processes. The role offers the chance to work with complex cases, contribute to high‑quality assessments and play a key role in securing stable, supportive arrangements for children within their extended families.
Responsibilities
* Manage a varied and increasingly complex caseload, including safeguarding responsibilities.
* Use a range of frameworks for assessment and intervention.
* Chair professional meetings with multi‑agency partners, children and families.
* Produce clear, evidence‑based assessments, reports and case recordings.
* Use evidence and research to inform decision‑making and practice.
* Support students and new colleagues, including acting as a buddy where required.
* Take responsibility for your own supervision, development and reflective practice.
* Challenge discriminatory practice and promote inclusive outcomes.
* Respond proactively to safeguarding and emergency situations.
Senior Social Worker – Additional Responsibilities
* Manage a complex caseload with a high level of autonomy.
* Provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues, managers and partners.
* Model high standards of professional practice and caseload management.
* Prepare court reports and provide expert testimony in Care or Private Law proceedings.
* Participate in panels and contribute to decision‑making processes.
* Support team planning and contribute to service delivery.
* Act as a Practice Educator for students and/or Newly Qualified Social Workers.
* Produce management information and support service analysis.
Kinship Focus
* Complete detailed, analytical and evidence‑based assessments of prospective kinship carers.
* Produce high‑quality support plans within required timescales.
* Work to court deadlines and panel requirements.
* Demonstrate knowledge of the child’s journey through court, including temporary fostering and kinship arrangements.
* Apply understanding of kinship care legislation, frameworks and support options.
* Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
About You
* Hold a recognised Social Work qualification and are registered with Social Work England.
* Have substantial post‑qualifying experience (3+ years) within children and families services.
* Have strong assessment and analytical skills.
* Have experience working with complex cases and safeguarding.
* Ideally have experience within kinship and/or fostering.
* Are organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
* Can build effective relationships with children, families and partner agencies.
Additional Information
* You must have the right to work in the UK.
* This is a hybrid role, with a requirement to attend the Civic Centre, Uxbridge at least twice a week.
* Travel is required as part of the Kinship assessment role.
Benefits
* Flexible Working Hours – recognises the importance of flexibility in managing work and personal life.
* 36‑Hour Week – standard 36‑hour workweek for all full‑time staff.
* Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
* Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – discounts at council‑owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – optional schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
* Cycle to Work – eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. Bicycle parking, lockers and showers are available at the Civic Centre.
* Local Government Pension Scheme – access to the scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
* Vivup Benefits – variety of offers and discounts through Vivup.
* Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling, plus a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
* Travel Support – season ticket loans and free car parking to help with daily commute.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. Candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt‑in for consideration under this scheme on a ‘per application’ basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) and the 2019 Order, requiring a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to enhanced DBS Check, Qualifications Check, Professional Registration Check and 5 years of Referencing.
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