UTURN Contextual Safeguarding Team works with children, young people, and young adults who are at risk of, or experiencing, contextual harm. Our practice is grounded in the belief that safety is created through positive relationships and by addressing the environments and contexts in which harm occurs.

We provide intensive, trauma-informed and non-judgemental support, focusing on understanding what a child or young person's behaviour mpartay be communicating about their lived experiences. Our approach is bespoke, service-user led and, for non-statutory cases, consent-based. We are committed to finding creative and meaningful ways to engage young people, working alongside them within their communities and everyday environments to promote safety and positive outcomes.

The team supports young people who are subject to Child in Need Plans, Child Protection Plans and Children Looked After arrangements where contextual harm risks have been identified. UTURN also works collaboratively with local communities, voluntary organisations and statutory partners to develop and deliver projects that reduce contextual harm within identified locations and neighbourhoods.

About the Role

The Consultant Social Worker role within the UTURN Team offers an exciting opportunity to combine direct practice with development work. You will contribute to project delivery and community-based initiatives while supporting the Team Manager and colleagues in embedding Contextual Safeguarding approaches across communities, statutory services and voluntary sector partners.

This role provides excellent opportunities to further develop leadership, management and supervision skills, making it ideal for experienced social workers looking to expand their professional practice.

As part of the UTURN Team, you will have opportunities to:

• Be part of a stable team with committed and energic team members working with our young people and families in their communities.  
• Build lasting relationships with young people in their own community.
• Develop project planning and delivery skills.
• Design and deliver training to internal teams and external partners.
• Contribute to innovative contextual safeguarding initiatives.
• Access a range of professional development and learning opportunities.
• Receive support from experienced and permanent Team Managers, Service Managers and Heads of Service.
• Develop management and staff supervision experience within a supportive environment.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of professionals and are particularly keen to encourage applications from Black, Mixed Heritage and Asian candidates. Merton is committed to valuing diversity and creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Emma Bradley
Team Manager