Social worker jobs in London

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.

Location: Great Ormond Street Hospital, London
Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 4th March 2026 ~
Interviews to be held in Central London, in-person

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer life is turned upside down – for them and their family.  Fear, isolation, extreme money worries, not knowing where to turn – this is the reality for many.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help children, young people and families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. You could be a part of the team making it happen.

The Role 

We are looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our London & South East Team supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community.

This role is part home, part site-based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

About You

You will be committed to delivering high quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families we work with. You will need to be resourceful and resilient. You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference. As part of the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.

You will have:

• A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
• Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
• An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

If you have applied for this role within the last three months, your previous application has already been considered and you need not apply again.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Barbara Inglin (Team Manager). 

#ShowTheSalary

About Us: 

Enable is a charity dedicated to improving people's wellbeing and strengthening local communities. We work with councils, charities and other local organisations to deliver health, leisure, community services and events that enrich people’s lives and strengthen our local community.

At Enable, we value our employees and our culture, focusing on embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive, flexible and fun environment for employees to perform at their best. On top of a competitive salary and flexible working environment, employees will also receive:

Benefits: 

• 30 days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Life Insurance
• Reward Schemes (RewardHub Membership, wellbeing budgets and cycle to work)
• A variety of social and wellbeing activities each month
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Perks (Monthly talks, Wellbeing Hour, etc)
• Gym Membership

Reports to: Social Prescribing Manager

Based: Balham, Tooting and Furzedown PCN

Salary: £35,530.43

Contract: Permanent, Full time

Work Arrangement: 40 hours per week, hybrid between home, office and GP practices 

DBS: Enhanced with Adults

Role Overview: 

The Health and Wellbeing Team are a passionate group of health professionals who empower people to make lasting changes to their health and wellbeing and improve their quality of life. We put the person at the centre of everything we do, building innovative initiatives that tackle barriers to improving health. We are experts at reducing health inequalities, real or perceived, and creating lasting changes. 

Main Duties/Responsibilities:  

Person-centred care and support  

• Deliver effective social prescribing appointments using a holistic and person-centred approach that helps people focus on what matters to them. 
• Empower people to take control of their own wellbeing by building their confidence, motivating them to set goals and creating personalised action plans. 
• Signpost and refer people to local voluntary, community and statutory services that help meet their needs. 
• Support people to overcome their personal barriers to access VCSE organisations and follow up to ensure they are satisfied, able to engage, and receiving good support. 
• Treat everyone with dignity, and respect different cultures, religions, ways of life and other personal characteristics at all times. 

Communication and Collaboration  

• Build excellent relationships with primary care/adult social care teams, providing regular updates, sharing knowledge of local VCSE organisations and working together to develop the service. 
• Provide support and develop partnerships with local VCSE organisations, community groups, and statutory services to make safe and effective onward referrals. 
• Work with the Enable Health and Wellbeing Team and local partners to identify unmet needs within the community and gaps in service provision. 
• Promote the social prescribing micro-commissioning fund and support VCSE organisations to apply. 
• Act as a champion of social prescribing, increasing awareness and promoting its benefits to a wide range of audiences. 
• Work with a team of volunteer buddies to provide additional support to clients. 

Service Quality and Development  

• Collect and record outcome, monitoring and impact data using required systems, contributing to the evaluation of the service. 
• Manage own case load to ensure clients receive appropriate levels of support and expectations are met. 
• Gather client feedback to evaluate the quality of the service and to inform service changes and developments. 
• Identify how the service could be developed and improved and, drawing upon knowledge of service delivery, make suggestions about how social prescribing could be embedded to a greater extent across Wandsworth. 
• Keep up to date with key changes in the health and social care sector in order to shape and develop the service, including those relating to good practice and policy. 
• Lead by example by demonstrating excellent customer service, delivery skills, organisation and professionalism. 
• Complete Quality Assurance Assessments for VCSE organisations accepting social prescribing referrals to ensure they are safe, effective, and have the support they need to be part of social prescribing. 
• Work with your line manager to identify your own support needs and undertake continual personal and professional development. 

General Responsibilities  

• To comply with all of Enable Leisure and Culture Codes of practice and conduct, including policies and procedures concerning data protection, health and safety and safeguarding. 
• To be committed to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion for others, both colleagues and clients. 
• To create and maintain a safe, supportive and welcoming environment where all people are treated with dignity and their identity and culture are valued and respected. Report any instances of inappropriate behaviour or discrimination. 
• Ensure data is kept securely in line with data protection law and Enable LC’s procedures. 
• To be fully aware of the principles of safeguarding as they apply to children and vulnerable adults in relation to your work role. Always follow safeguarding procedures and ensure that your line manager is kept fully informed of any safeguarding concerns. 
• To carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities that contribute to the overall function of the team, appropriate with the grading of the post. 
• To apply a flexible approach to working in different environments including from home, GP practices, healthcare settings, community venues and Enable offices. 
• To travel inside or outside the borough when required. 

Skills and Experience:  

• At least 2 year experience in a role that involves delivering face-to-face support in a relevant health or social care environment.
• Experience adopting a person-centred approach in order to meet the needs of service users and of empowering them to make informed choices.  
• Experience of working with people of all ages with a range of social needs.  
• Experience of working with the VCSE sector (in a paid or voluntary capacity), including with volunteers and small community groups.  
• Motivational interviewing, behaviour change, or health coaching qualification (desirable) or willingness to undertake training (essential).  
• Motivational interviewing, behaviour change or health coaching experience (desirable).  

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors. 
• Understanding of personalisation and the skills required to support self-care.   
•  An understanding of the principles of confidentiality and how these apply when handling service-user information. 
• Local knowledge of VCSE and community services in Wandsworth (desirable).  

Aptitudes, skills and competencies  

• Good ability to use Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint) and other online client monitoring systems or tools as required.    
• Ability to work with and support people with a wide range of health and wellbeing needs, inspiring trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential.  
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and confidence to listen actively, motivate, support, and advocate. 
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; able to communicate in a meaningful way and develop effective relationships with a range of stakeholders.    
• Excellent organisation, planning and time management skills.  
• Able to collect and record data to enable the monitoring of key performance indicators, reporting on them as and when required.  
• Able to work effectively with others in an open and collaborative way, valuing differences and contributing to a working environment which helps to achieve goals.   
• Able to work unsupervised to meet agreed outcomes, targets and deadlines.  
• Ability to identify risk, assess and manage risk when working with patients.    

Personal qualities  

• Able to demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and ability to work well under pressure.  
• Commitment to working in deprived communities and reducing health inequalities.   
• Commitment to valuing equality and diversity and understanding of how this applies to own area of work.   
• Commitment to own professional and personal development and willingness to undertake training and development as appropriate to the role.  
• Able to work flexible hours if required by the post and able to work in various setting. 
• Able to commute to various service locations across the borough as required.  

Help on Your Doorstep

Social Prescribing Link Worker (Part time)

Hours: 3 days a week - one day to be worked on a Friday

Salary: 17,908 (pro rata)

_______________________________________________________________

About Help on Your Doorstep

Help on Your Doorstep, is a pioneering charity working in the London Borough of Islington to improve the health and wellbeing of people and the communities that they live in. Through our Social Prescribing Service, ‘Connect’ outreach and referral service and Good Neighbour Schemes, we support people to thrive in healthier, happier and more connected communities.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to build trusted, relationship-based support with individuals and communities.  We work closely with partners who share our vision of tackling the social and health inequalities that affect people across Islington.

________________________________________________________________

About the role

Our Social Prescribing service supports patients referred by GP practices across Central Islington.  Working within a fast, paced, person-centred environment, Social Prescribing Link Workers support individuals to identify what matters most to them and connects with community services, activities and support that improves their well-being and addresses the wider determinants of health.

The service benefits from close collaboration with our Connect service and access to over 120 referral partners, offering a diverse range of opportunities to support residents’ health, wellbeing and independence.

___________________________________________________________________________

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of a dedicated team of four Social Prescribing Link Workers, seven Connect service colleagues and external partners working in primary care teams, you will:

· Work with patients referred by GP practices to provide personalised, strengths based support

· Build trusted relationships and support individuals to overcome, social, practical and emotional barriers

· Support people to access community-based services, activities and networks

· Manage a varied caseload, maintaining accurate and timely records

· Work collaboratively with GP practices, primary care teams, colleagues and external partners

___________________________________________________________________________

About You

· Passionate about creating a fairer society and reducing health inequalities

· Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills

· Have experience of providing person-centred or personalised support (paid or unpaid)

· Can work at pace and work across different data-systems and maintain accurate records

· Can manage a caseload in an organised and methodical way

· Are comfortable balancing face to face work with administrative responsibilities

___________________________________________________________________________

For a full job description, person specification and details on how to apply, please go to our website 

___________________________________________________________________________

Our Team

You will be part of a supportive and collaborative team of 4 Social Prescribing Link Workers and 7 Connect Service colleagues, GP practices and external partners across Islington.  We value teamwork, reflective practice, and learning from one another to continually improve outcomes for residents.

___________________________________________________________________________

The deadline for completed applications is 9.00am on February 23rd 2026. In person interviews will be held on March 5th 2026.