At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults and ensure their safety through effective safeguarding practices.
- Company: Devon County Council, dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Clear career pathway with ongoing support and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Experience with the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding legislation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker position within the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service. The Devon Safeguarding Adults Service is a countywide service that receives and responds to safeguarding adult concern referrals raised with Devon County Council. The team comprises of Social Care Assessors, Social Workers, Team Managers and Advanced Practitioners and the service is led by the Service Manager.
You will need to have experience of working with the Care Act 2014 and in applying Section 42(1) criteria to safeguarding adult concerns, in addition to experience of providing advice and support related to safeguarding adults legislation and framework. The service receives high demand and the nature of the role will require you to be highly organised and able to manage your workload efficiently in line with organisational timescales and expectations.
Social Worker Career Pathway
We have implemented the first phase of a new Social Worker Career Pathway within our Adults Services, with our vacancies available at the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) levels. Our Social Worker and Experienced Social Worker roles align with the national Professional Capability Framework (PCF) for Social Workers, which provides a robust structure for all local authorities to use as a way of standardising professional capabilities and provides a clear career pathway. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide you with an achievable, clear pathway for your career; to enable you as a practitioner to reflect and identify your own practice and development on the PCF pathway.
If successful in being shortlisted for interview, your experience, skills and knowledge will be assessed against the PCF domains and if found appointable, this will determine your appointment to either the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker level (Grade G). With ongoing learning and support from your line manager, those appointed as a Social Worker will be able to evidence incremental learning and submit an application in due course for progression to the Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) via a portfolio of supporting evidence against the PCF framework.
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working
The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years' service. Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role - please discuss at further at interview).
Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
Social Worker employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises professional development through a clear career pathway aligned with the national Professional Capability Framework. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and safeguarding, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service. They can give you insider info on what the team is really like and what skills are most valued.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the Care Act 2014 and Section 42(1) criteria. We want you to show that you know your stuff and can apply it in real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding adults. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with the Care Act 2014 and Section 42(1) criteria. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since the role requires you to manage a high workload efficiently, it’s essential to demonstrate your organisational skills in your application. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully juggled multiple tasks or met tight deadlines.
Reflect on the PCF Framework:Familiarise yourself with the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and reflect on how your experiences fit within its domains. This will not only help you in your application but also prepare you for potential interview questions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and Section 42(1) criteria. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the legislation but can apply it effectively in real-life scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the role requires managing a high workload, prepare examples of how you've successfully organised your tasks in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
Devon County Council values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to a diverse workforce and promote equality within the safeguarding framework.
✨Prepare for the PCF Assessment
Familiarise yourself with the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and think about how your experience aligns with its domains. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills and knowledge relevant to the PCF.
