Senior Social Worker, Childrens Services Contact Team
Company
Location
London, England, United Kingdom
Posted At
9/8/2025
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Description
About The Role
Are you interested in professional development opportunities and the ability to practice to the best of your ability within a supportive, innovative Outstanding Local Authority? If so, Islington is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and talented Senior Social Worker for the Childrens Services Contact Team (CSCT). CSCT is the Centralised point of contact for all referrals into Childrens Services and Social Emotional Wellbeing Services
Islington continued their rating as Outstanding by Ofsted in December 2024. Ofsted has reported “Children’s experiences are at the heart of the local authority’s thinking, planning and development of services. Child-focused corporate leaders and politicians relentlessly pursue solutions to meet the needs of the children and families in the London Borough of Islington. The local authority’s relationship-based practice model is integrated throughout children’s services, alongside early years and education services…” In relation to CSCT Ofsted noted.. “A well-used consultation line provides valuable support to wider partner agencies. It helps to develop a shared understanding of levels of need and what to do when there is a concern about a child. Social workers in the children’s services contact team (CSCT) seek information from specialist workers, such as independent domestic violence advisers and exploitation specialists, to inform their analysis of children’s needs. Checks undertaken with partner agencies are proportionate and relevant. Robust and prompt management oversight of referrals in the CSCT results in appropriate actions for children being initiated without delay. Social workers’ recommendations are well articulated and result in children receiving the right help at the right time.”
We are proud of our commitment to children and families of being able to offer the right service at the right time by thorough and robust interventions within CSCT and the Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) service.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for optimizing outcomes for children and families by providing advice and consultation to members of the public and other professionals, and crucially along with the management team to share in the decision making process related to all contacts to the service.
The Senior Social Worker is the link practitioner with SEMH which is a co-located service and you will be required to develop specialist skills and knowledge in this aspect of your role. A strong understanding of social and emotional support needs for children is highly desirable as specialist screening of SEMH contacts is undertaken.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
You will have, and demonstrate a clear understanding of inequities, how they affect different sections of our community, and the role that strategy and improvement can play in supporting better equality, diversity, and inclusion outcomes.
You can influence the development of services, support and/or practice by:
Motivational Practice is Islington’s Practice Model. There are core elements that underpin the practice framework that provide a set of skills around how to communicate in a helpful way with colleagues, the professional network as a whole and families we work with, supporting a process of change.
Main duties of the job
The Senior Social Worker is responsible for supporting the integrated service delivery of SEMH within Children Services and therefore hold the link role between the services. The ability to form strong working professional relationships is key, along with a desire to continuous improvement of service delivery.
The Senior Social Worker will provide consultation and support to social workers in the service, along with other professionals who seek advice regarding children. This includes a strong understanding of risk and safeguarding thresholds and how best to ensure children receive the right support to ensure this is appropriately managed.
CSCT is a fast paced service and the ability to manage a high numbers of referrals that require robust analysis in a timely manner is critical.
You will be accustomed to employing social work principles such as dignity, respect, empathy, and strength based, collaborative approach to service delivery.
Motivational interviewing skills with a Trauma Informed lens are the cornerstone of social work practice in the Safeguarding and Family Support Service. In order to help us select the best candidate’s Islington have developed a two stage interview process with the first stage being an opportunity to test out applicants Motivational Interviewing (MI) compatibility.
Candidates are not required to have advanced MI skills, rather we are seeking to identify those who have the capacity to develop these skills with the advanced training and coaching that will be provided. Further details will be provided to all candidates who are shortlisted and offered an interview.
Those candidates who are successful following Motivation Interview will have a written test and panel interview.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Matthew Ellis [email protected]
Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025 at 23:59
Proposed Interviews: to be confirmed
What Islington Offers:
About You
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you
We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects 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) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The post is subject to a enhanced DBS check with children barred list, Social Work England/HCPC registration, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
Are you interested in professional development opportunities and the ability to practice to the best of your ability within a supportive, innovative Outstanding Local Authority? If so, Islington is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and talented Senior Social Worker for the Childrens Services Contact Team (CSCT). CSCT is the Centralised point of contact for all referrals into Childrens Services and Social Emotional Wellbeing Services
Islington continued their rating as Outstanding by Ofsted in December 2024. Ofsted has reported “Children’s experiences are at the heart of the local authority’s thinking, planning and development of services. Child-focused corporate leaders and politicians relentlessly pursue solutions to meet the needs of the children and families in the London Borough of Islington. The local authority’s relationship-based practice model is integrated throughout children’s services, alongside early years and education services…” In relation to CSCT Ofsted noted.. “A well-used consultation line provides valuable support to wider partner agencies. It helps to develop a shared understanding of levels of need and what to do when there is a concern about a child. Social workers in the children’s services contact team (CSCT) seek information from specialist workers, such as independent domestic violence advisers and exploitation specialists, to inform their analysis of children’s needs. Checks undertaken with partner agencies are proportionate and relevant. Robust and prompt management oversight of referrals in the CSCT results in appropriate actions for children being initiated without delay. Social workers’ recommendations are well articulated and result in children receiving the right help at the right time.”
We are proud of our commitment to children and families of being able to offer the right service at the right time by thorough and robust interventions within CSCT and the Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) service.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for optimizing outcomes for children and families by providing advice and consultation to members of the public and other professionals, and crucially along with the management team to share in the decision making process related to all contacts to the service.
The Senior Social Worker is the link practitioner with SEMH which is a co-located service and you will be required to develop specialist skills and knowledge in this aspect of your role. A strong understanding of social and emotional support needs for children is highly desirable as specialist screening of SEMH contacts is undertaken.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
You will have, and demonstrate a clear understanding of inequities, how they affect different sections of our community, and the role that strategy and improvement can play in supporting better equality, diversity, and inclusion outcomes.
You can influence the development of services, support and/or practice by:
- Effectively interacting, working with, and developing meaningful relationships with people of various cultural backgrounds
- Interpreting issues and concerns from a cultural perspective and addressing situations or challenges from the points-of-view of multiple cultures
- Recognising and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in your team through your actions
Motivational Practice is Islington’s Practice Model. There are core elements that underpin the practice framework that provide a set of skills around how to communicate in a helpful way with colleagues, the professional network as a whole and families we work with, supporting a process of change.
Main duties of the job
The Senior Social Worker is responsible for supporting the integrated service delivery of SEMH within Children Services and therefore hold the link role between the services. The ability to form strong working professional relationships is key, along with a desire to continuous improvement of service delivery.
The Senior Social Worker will provide consultation and support to social workers in the service, along with other professionals who seek advice regarding children. This includes a strong understanding of risk and safeguarding thresholds and how best to ensure children receive the right support to ensure this is appropriately managed.
CSCT is a fast paced service and the ability to manage a high numbers of referrals that require robust analysis in a timely manner is critical.
You will be accustomed to employing social work principles such as dignity, respect, empathy, and strength based, collaborative approach to service delivery.
Motivational interviewing skills with a Trauma Informed lens are the cornerstone of social work practice in the Safeguarding and Family Support Service. In order to help us select the best candidate’s Islington have developed a two stage interview process with the first stage being an opportunity to test out applicants Motivational Interviewing (MI) compatibility.
Candidates are not required to have advanced MI skills, rather we are seeking to identify those who have the capacity to develop these skills with the advanced training and coaching that will be provided. Further details will be provided to all candidates who are shortlisted and offered an interview.
Those candidates who are successful following Motivation Interview will have a written test and panel interview.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Matthew Ellis [email protected]
Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025 at 23:59
Proposed Interviews: to be confirmed
What Islington Offers:
- A specially designed core training package to deliver goal based interventions, use evidenced based tools, develop reflective and thoughtful risk assessment, and to measure progress,
- Availability of an intensive multi-disciplinary service to enhance risk assessment and decision making
- Social workers and managers receive regular reflective supervision and practice development opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of their interventions and develop their skills.
About You
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you
We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects 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) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The post is subject to a enhanced DBS check with children barred list, Social Work England/HCPC registration, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
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