Social Worker

Referral & Assessment Team

Employer: Achieving for Children
Location: Kingston upon Thames / Richmond, Greater London
Office Address: High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU
Work Pattern: Full-time, with 3 days per week in the office
Service Area: Children's Social Care – Referral & Assessment

About the Organisation

Achieving for Children is committed to improving the lives of children, young people and families by ensuring they receive the support, protection and opportunities they need to thrive.

The organisation promotes a child-centred approach, working collaboratively with families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes and ensure children are safe, happy, healthy and successful.

About the Service

The Referral and Assessment Team sits within the Children's Social Care Identification and Assessment division, with teams based across Kingston and Richmond.

The service works directly with children and families at the initial stages of social care involvement, responding to new referrals, undertaking Child in Need and Child Protection assessments, and managing initial court proceedings where necessary.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking strategy discussions and child protection investigations.

• Supporting and participating in Initial Child Protection Conferences.

• Developing Child in Need plans and appropriate interventions.

• Managing risk and implementing safety and contingency plans.

• Initiating court proceedings and emergency protective orders where required.

• Working with families during periods of crisis to prevent the escalation of concerns.

The team is committed to providing timely, effective and meaningful interventions that safeguard children and support families.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join the Referral and Assessment Team.

You will play a key role in safeguarding children, assessing family circumstances, identifying risks and delivering appropriate interventions to ensure children receive the support and protection they need.

You will be responsible for managing a varied caseload and working collaboratively with children, families and multi-agency professionals to achieve positive outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking comprehensive child protection investigations and assessments of children's needs.

• Developing effective safety and contingency plans to manage and reduce risk.

• Completing court-related work, including pre-proceedings, court statements, reports and care planning.

• Carrying out purposeful, creative and child-focused direct work, ensuring children's voices are heard.

• Supporting children and families throughout their journey within statutory services, including children who may become looked after.

• Chairing and contributing to complex meetings, ensuring appropriate plans and interventions are implemented.

• Managing an allocated caseload and ensuring all assessments, reports and statutory responsibilities are completed within required timescales.

• Building effective relationships with children, families, colleagues and partner agencies.

• Sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and promoting best practice within the team.

You will be supported through regular reflective supervision, individual and group learning opportunities, and the use of the Signs of Safety framework to guide your practice.

Digital technology will also be provided to support agile working and effective engagement with children and young people.

About You – Essential Requirements

To be considered for this position, you will need:

Qualifications and Registration

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification in Social Work.

• Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).

• Current registration with Social Work England.

• Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to maintaining professional standards.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience working with children, young people and families within statutory social care services.

• Experience undertaking child protection investigations, assessments and risk management.

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and national policies relating to children's services.

• Experience of court work and pre-proceedings, including preparing reports, statements and care plans.

• Ability to build strong relationships and partnerships with children, families and multi-agency professionals.

• Experience managing a varied caseload and prioritising competing demands within statutory timescales.

• Strong assessment, analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to clearly explain professional judgements.

• Excellent written communication, record-keeping and report-writing skills.

• Confidence in chairing meetings, influencing decisions and advocating for children and young people.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about safeguarding children and achieving positive outcomes for families.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• Able to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.

• Flexible, proactive and solution-focused.

• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.

• Creative and child-focused approach to social work practice.

• Committed to collaborative working, continuous learning and professional development.

• Demonstrates integrity, resilience, initiative and professional accountability.

Our Values

Achieving for Children promotes three core values:

• Trust: Building positive, honest and professional relationships.

• Respect: Valuing children, young people, families and colleagues.

• Empower: Supporting children and families to have a voice and take an active role in decisions affecting their lives.

You will be expected to demonstrate these values through your everyday practice and professional relationships.

Working Arrangements    

• Based within Kingston or Richmond.

• Three days per week working from the office.

• Flexible and agile working arrangements, depending on service requirements.

• Regular reflective supervision and professional development opportunities.

The successful candidate may also be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post, including deputising or working flexibly across the week to meet service demands.

Why Join the Team?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive and committed children's social care service where you can make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.

You will benefit from reflective supervision, opportunities for professional development, collaborative team working and the opportunity to develop your practice within a Signs of Safety framework.

If you are a passionate and experienced Social Worker looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you.