Childrens Senior SW - (Family Support & Safeguarding)

Introduction We are looking for a Senior Social Worker to join our innovative Families First Contact Point (FFCP). They will play a crucial role in our multi-disciplinary team, making critical decisions about the right help and support for children and families using the Lewisham Family Help Continuum of Need. This role involves undertaking comprehensive assessments and working with families to determine whether they require statutory intervention or can be supported through community-based resources. What’s the role? FFCP is designed to make informed decisions about whether children and families need statutory help or intervention or whether their needs can be met or can be supported through community-based resources. As a Senior Social Worker, you will be part of a co-located multi-disciplinary team. The service is committed to reducing duplication and hand-offs for families, providing a relationship-based and strengths-based response to partners, families, carers and the public. You will undertake screening of all contacts using our RAG rating system, complete triage work involving information gathering and MASH checks, visit families to complete Family Help assessments and coordinating support. The role requires excellent skills in engaging with diverse families, conducting comprehensive assessments, and making sound professional judgements about risk and need. Lewisham was chosen to be a DfE Pathfinder authority to test social care reforms, and FFCP represents our commitment to innovative practice that puts families at the centre of decision-making whilst ensuring children receive appropriate support and protection. We are committed to using relational and strength-based approaches, recognising that this works best for children and families. We aim to be Trauma Informed, Anti-Racist and use Restorative and Signs of Safety approaches to deliver interventions to children and their families. The ideal candidate should have excellent skills in engaging with diverse families, technical knowledge of children in need of help and protection, and children looked after. They must have experience in conducting comprehensive assessments, excellent report writing skills, and the ability to assess risk and develop effective multi-agency intervention plans. Knowledge of the Family Help Continuum of Need and experience of working in contact/assessment services would be advantageous. About You We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Social Worker to join FFCP. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work, with a proven track record of providing high-quality support and services to individuals and families. You will be passionate about making a positive impact in the community and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Key Qualifications and Experience:

A degree in Social Work or a related field.

Significant experience in social work including in a senior or supervisory role.

Experience working in Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) and conducting comprehensive assessments.

Strong understanding of social work principles, practices, and ethics.

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Strong organisational and time management abilities.

Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Commitment to continuous professional development and learning.

Personal Attributes:

Empathetic and compassionate, with a genuine desire to help others.

Resilient and able to handle challenging situations with professionalism.

Adaptable and open to new ideas and approaches.

Recognise the importance of effective communication and actively seek feedback.

Exhibit professional curiosity and value thoughtful, balanced decision-making.

Collaborate inclusively and work with others in a strengths-based manner.

Take responsibility and contribute positively by focusing on solutions.