At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our fast-paced RIACT team as a Social Worker, supporting adults in their journey to independence.
- Company: Darlington Borough Council is committed to delivering high-quality adult social care with a focus on community and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working options, and access to a range of employee perks.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term role covering maternity leave, with interviews on 8th August 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, dynamic environment with strong career progression.
- Qualifications: Must have completed ASYE and possess strong assessment and care management skills.
The predicted salary is between 34314 - 40476 £ per year.
Social Worker - Adult Service - RIACT (Ref: POS000892)
Salary Full-time equivalent salary Band 9 (£34,314- £37,035 per annum) / Band 10 (£37,938 - £40,476 per annum) / Band 11 (£41,511 - £44,711 per annum) Salary Band £30,001 to £40,000 Post Type Fixed Term Hours Per Week Full time
Job and Application details
Categories Social Work - Adult Service
Directorate N/A Published Date 07/07/2025 Closing Date 28/07/2025
RIACT TEAM - 1 X 37hr 12 month fixed term post covering maternity leave. We are looking for a Social Worker who has successfully completed ASYE.
RIACT TEAM - 1 X 37hr 12 month fixed term post covering maternity leave. We are looking for a Social Worker who has successfully completed ASYE.
The RIACT Team is co-located with NHS colleagues, promoting joint working to achieve the best possible outcomes for people and their families. The team includes Social Workers, Community Assessment Officers, Reablement Coordinators, and Occupational Therapists.
The team\'s predominant role is to facilitate safe, efficient and timely discharge from hospital as well as working with people who experience unplanned situations at home which may impact their ability to continue to live the life they choose. Our focus is very much a Home First approach.
The role is fast paced, requiring staff to be confident to make decisions in a timely manner with support from an experienced Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, and supportive team members. The team undertakes the following assessments: functional assessments, Care Act assessments, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act assessment and Continuing Health Care. We promote strength based and person-centred practice to support people to achieve their goals.
We constantly strive to improve and develop our service and are looking for passionate and experienced Social Workers who are committed to strength-based practice, with a focus on enabling people to develop their own community networks and strengths as a means of meeting their needs. You will be skilled at gathering relevant information from point of initial contact and be confident in appropriate and timely decision making to get the right outcomes for people. You will have demonstrable assessment and care management skills and experience as well as the drive and passion to make a difference within this dynamic and fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team.
Darlington Adult Social Care has undergone a significant transformation within the last few years, with an emphasis on maximising independence, delivering personalised outcomes, promoting a cost effective and stable market. Our priorities are focussed on supporting reducing isolation, delaying where possible the onset of support needs, providing an intermediate care offer, supporting carers, as well as ensuring people are safe from harm. Whilst we have strong relationships with our system wide partners and providers we continue to strive to grow and develop these partnerships to ensure an integrated, seamless approach when supporting people.
We have a culture of working together across all directorates with the ambition to grow and develop partnerships.
Joss Harbron, our Assistant Director for Adult Social Care says “Darlington has an established and successful track record in adult social care, where high challenge comes with high support. There is strong engagement with citizens and strong partnerships and collaboration across the directorates. I believe we deliver strong visible leadership, with clear governance, accountability and in a culture which welcomes active contributions from the teams whilst delivering high performing services\".
In May 2025 Adult Social Care in Darlington was CQC rated Good achieving an overall score of 73%.
This is what CQC said about us –
“There are open and transparent relationships with senior leaders and staff felt they had the ability to challenge and influence policies and practice. Leaders had an impact on staff retention, and we heard reports of a positive workplace culture.
There were good preventative measures in place with a Responsive Integrated Assessment Care team (RIACT), which provided a thorough assessment with very positive results. There were no delays to hospital discharge and the data around reablement and outcomes following discharge were better than the national average.
We found staff were creative and supported people to remain independent in a person-centred and strength-based way.
There was a clear focus in the local authority on providing short-term support to prevent longer-term care. Leaders and partners agreed there was a strong relationship around hospital discharge and the local authority’s work in reablement and short-term interventions was well regarded and effective. They had a consistently low number of discharge delays with high performance in reablement delivery and outcomes. There was a clear process map for reablement for staff handling referrals.
Staff said the local authority was a good place to work, highlighting positive relationships and career progression, including apprenticeships and the step-up to social work program. Staff who had worked elsewhere said they appreciated the good workplace support and feeling looked after, heard, and listened to. Supervision was always available, and there was a focus on wellbeing”
We have a strong commitment to professional development throughout all our Adult Service areas, with a training programme that is workforce-led and has strong links to supervision, appraisal and audit.
For detailed information on this role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
This role offers a flexible, blended approach to home and office working.
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:
•32 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
•Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
• Flexi-time scheme
• Flexible working
• Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
• Staff equality forums
• Green Car Leasing Scheme (if applicable)
• Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
• Physiotherapy service
• Confidential counselling service
• Great wellbeing offer
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
• Local and National retailer discounts
•Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
•Arriva Employee Travel Club
For the full range of benefits we offer, please see our Why work for us internet page, which also includes our Total Reward Booklet and Employee Benefit Video.
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-1/why-work-for-us/
Find out further information about us and what it’s like to work for our great team by visiting the Jobs and Careers home page.
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/
For detailed information on this role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
For an informal discussion, please contact Stef Simpson on 07951769128 or email stef.simpson@darlington.gov.uk or alternatively you can contact Sarah Appleby Team Manager RIACT via email on sarah.appleby@darlington.gov.uk
Interviews will be held on 8th August 2025 at the Town Hall, Darlington.
The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS and Children\'s Barred List check.
General Information for Applicants:
All applicant email correspondence will come from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk and may be directed to your Junk folder depending on the settings of your email account. Please check both your email and Junk folder as all applicants will be notified whether they have been shortlisted.
If you are experiencing problems applying for this vacancy via North East Jobs, please contact the HR Team on 01325 403217 or HR@darlington.gov.uk , who will be happy to assist.
Social Worker - Adult Service - RIACT in Darlington employer: Darlington Borough Council
Darlington Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With a strong focus on strength-based practice and a commitment to maximising independence for service users, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and access to extensive training opportunities. The positive workplace environment, coupled with the council's excellent reputation in adult social care, makes it an ideal place for passionate Social Workers looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
Contact Details:
Darlington Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Adult Service - RIACT in Darlington
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Home First approach that the RIACT team promotes. Understanding this philosophy will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the RIACT team to gain insights into their experiences and the team dynamics. This can provide you with valuable information to discuss in your interview and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your assessment and care management skills. The role requires confidence in decision-making, so be ready to share instances where you've successfully navigated complex situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the recent CQC rating and feedback about Darlington Adult Social Care. Being knowledgeable about their achievements and areas of focus will allow you to engage meaningfully with the interviewers and show that you are invested in their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Adult Service - RIACT in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position in the RIACT team. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their focus on strength-based and person-centred practice.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in social work, particularly any roles that involved assessments, care management, or working within a multi-disciplinary team. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your ability to make timely decisions and support individuals in achieving their goals.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to include key skills that are relevant to the role, such as assessment skills, decision-making abilities, and experience with safeguarding and the Mental Capacity Act. Use concrete examples to illustrate these skills in action.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for social work and commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families. Address how you can contribute to the RIACT team's mission and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council
✨Understand the Home First Approach
Familiarise yourself with the Home First approach that the RIACT team promotes. Be prepared to discuss how you can support individuals in maintaining their independence and how this philosophy aligns with your own practice.
✨Demonstrate Your Assessment Skills
Be ready to showcase your assessment and care management skills. Prepare examples from your previous experience where you successfully conducted functional assessments or Care Act assessments, highlighting your decision-making process.
✨Showcase Team Collaboration
The role involves working closely with a multi-disciplinary team. Share experiences where you collaborated effectively with other professionals, such as NHS colleagues or occupational therapists, to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
✨Emphasise Strength-Based Practice
Highlight your commitment to strength-based and person-centred practice. Prepare to discuss how you have empowered individuals to develop their community networks and strengths, and how this has positively impacted their lives.
