Senior Social Worker – Homelessness Specialist (Assessment)

About the role

The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham is seeking a Senior Social Worker to lead the Assessment Service for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will deliver statutory assessments, manage complex safeguarding cases and work closely with housing, education, health and youth‑justice partners to secure safe, stable outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Key responsibilities

• Lead statutory assessments for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds presenting as homeless.
• Conduct complex safeguarding assessments and develop safety and permanence plans.
• Collaborate with housing, education, health, youth‑justice and other partner agencies.
• Apply trauma‑informed, relationship‑based practice throughout the assessment process.
• Provide expert advice on homelessness legislation, safeguarding duties and statutory responsibilities.
• Champion the voice of the child, ensuring their needs and aspirations are central to interventions.

Required profile

• Registered with Social Work England.
• Experience in Children’s Social Care, preferably in assessment, front‑door, adolescent or safeguarding work.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the legal framework for homeless 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds.
• Excellent assessment, risk‑management and partnership‑working abilities.
• Commitment to high‑quality, restorative and strengths‑based practice.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a fast‑growing London borough with diverse communities.
• Excellent transport links to Central London.
• Significant investment in local services and professional development.
• Impactful role making a real difference to children’s lives.