Social Worker - Social Workers in Schools Team

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for a social worker who: 

• has completed their systemic social work and/or signs of safety training
• takes a ‘change agent’ position in their interventions with families
• is skilled in using the relationship-based practice model and explaining it to others
• can build strong relationships with children and their families
• is committed to Merton
• can navigate periods of challenge and uncertainty
• has confidence in sharing their knowledge and skills with others
• can operate autonomously within a school setting and as part of a multi-disciplinary network
• is committed to developing themselves and new ways of practicing

We want our team to reflect the diversity of our borough, and would encourage applicants of all backgrounds and with a wide range of experiences to apply. 

The position will be based in the Family Support and Safeguarding service and managed by the SWIS team manager. 

How will the social worker move into the role?

If you already work in Merton, you will join the project via a secondment. For external candidates, whilst the project has only been extended to July 2025, the social work posts are permanent within Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion. As such, in the event that the project concludes at the end of the next academic year, social workers will have the opportunity to remain in Merton and integrate into the wider service. 

If you have any questions, please contact the SWIS Team Manager Dhivya Yogarajah on 020 4605 4213, or SWIS Service Manager Kay Dove on 020 8545 3374 for further information.

Interviews: to take place week commencing 8th July 2024.

Merton is an outer borough in southwest London. Suburban in character, the borough has three main town centres: Wimbledon, Mitcham, and Morden. We want our to be a great place for every child to grow up in order to give them the best start in life. To do this, we need the best social work talent working with us. 

We offer a full range of employment benefits to ensure every member of staff feels valued and able to progress:

• membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• wide range of professional development programmes available to enhance your career
• flexible working
• generous leave entitlement
• parental leave and shared parental leave schemes
• employee assistance programme (EAP) - free access for you and your family to expert advice and guidance on major life events, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
• range of lunchtime exercise classes
• discounted membership to our leisure centres
• wellbeing programme - wellbeing champions and mental health support
• occupational health service to help keep you healthy and safe at work
• contribution towards eye test and glasses for display screen equipment (DSE) users
• regular walking ‘step count’ challenge
• Kaarp employee discount scheme - range of leisure activities, from days out to magazine subscriptions, as well as hair and beauty treatments, entertainment events and discounts at local restaurants
• interest-free season ticket loan for public transport
• cycle to work scheme
• adult cycle training
• running club
• discounts on selected adult learning courses

If you like the sound of working in Merton, or want to know more about a specific role, please do not hesitate to contact recruitment@merton.gov.uk