At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex adult social care cases and lead safeguarding initiatives.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and significant post-qualifying experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Croydon Council’s Health, Wellbeing and Adults Directorate is seeking an experienced and motivated Social Worker to join our Operations service. This role is ideal for a confident practitioner who is ready to manage complex cases, provide professional leadership, and support the development of others. You will work within a strengths-based, community-led support model, delivering high-quality statutory social work in line with the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding legislation. You will hold a complex caseload, contribute to safeguarding decision‑making, supervise staff, and work closely with partner agencies to ensure adults are protected, empowered, and supported to live independent lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of complex adult social care cases, including safeguarding and mental health matters
- Undertake strengths-based assessments and co‑produce person‑centred support plans
- Lead and contribute to Safeguarding Adults enquiries, strategy discussions and multi‑agency meetings
- Practice as a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and Safeguarding Adults Manager (SAM) where qualified
- Supervise and support newly qualified social workers, social workers, care managers and students
- Prepare high-quality reports for courts, tribunals, panels and senior managers
- Deputise for the Team Manager where required and support service improvement initiatives
- Work collaboratively with health colleagues, voluntary organisations, legal services and other partners
About You
- A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Significant post‑qualifying experience in adult social work
- Strong knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding frameworks
- Experience supervising staff and supporting professional development
- Excellent assessment, risk management and decision‑making skills
- Confidence working with complexity, ambiguity and multi‑agency environments
Desirable (or Willingness To Work Towards)
- Qualified Best Interests Assessor (BIA)
- Additional post‑qualifying awards
- Experience representing the local authority in court
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Experienced Social Worker employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to complex case management and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, such as reports or case studies, to demonstrate your skills during interviews. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in adult social work. We want to see how you've managed complex cases and contributed to safeguarding decisions, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Person-Centred: Since this role is all about strengths-based assessments and person-centred support plans, we recommend you share examples of how you've worked collaboratively with clients and their families. It’s all about showing us your approach to empowering individuals!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We love it when candidates align their skills with what we’re looking for, so make sure to mention your knowledge of the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so go for it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've managed complex cases or led safeguarding enquiries. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising staff, be ready to talk about your experience in mentoring or supporting others. Share how you’ve contributed to their professional development and how you handle challenges in a team setting.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Discuss your experience working with various partners, such as health colleagues and voluntary organisations. Highlight any successful collaborations and how they benefited the individuals you were supporting, showing your ability to work within a community-led model.