Social Worker – Southwark Judgement, Pre-Birth & Intentionally Homeless Families

The Role

Do you see yourself making a real difference in the lives of children and families?

Can you use your experience to support and protect some of Southwark’s most vulnerable children?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Children’s Services division is looking for a dedicated Specialist Social Worker to join our dynamic team and help make a lasting impact.

About the Role:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Specialist Social Worker to join Southwark’s Children’s Services. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead work in three specialist areas:

• Southwark Judgement – supporting young people where housing status intersects with safeguarding concerns.
• Pre-Birth Assessments – ensuring timely and robust early intervention for unborn children and their families.
• Intentionally Homeless Families – working with families deemed intentionally homeless to ensure children's welfare remains central.

As a Specialist Social Worker, you will:

• Undertake complex assessments and ensure children’s needs are prioritised regardless of housing status.
• Coordinate and lead pre-birth assessments alongside midwives and early help professionals.
• Address safeguarding concerns with families experiencing housing instability.
• Collaborate with housing, legal, and multi-agency partners to deliver holistic, child-centred outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records in line with statutory guidance.
• Contribute to the development of best practice within this specialist area.

This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

About You:

You are a committed and experienced practitioner who thrives in complex, multi-disciplinary environments and is passionate about early intervention, safeguarding, and achieving the best outcomes for children.

You will need to have:

• A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• At least 2 years of post-qualification experience in statutory children’s services.
• Proven expertise in child protection, pre-birth assessments, and court work.
• Strong knowledge of the Southwark Judgement and its impact on social work practice.
• Experience supporting families facing housing instability or homelessness.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and report-writing skills.
• The ability to manage high-pressure situations and prioritise competing demands.

About the Team:

You’ll join a motivated and skilled group of professionals in a specialist team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The team is focused on safeguarding children and supporting families through integrated and relationship-based practice.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Abi Omodeni at Abi.Omodeni@southwark.gov.uk or Victor Dadzie at Victor.Dadzie@southwark.gov.uk

Additional Information:

• This is a 12 month fixed term contract
• Enhanced DBS required

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 16th July 2025

Interview date/s: w/c 28th July 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Attachments

• Click here to view the Job Description