At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support adults in need through assessments and tailored care plans.
- Company: Rutland County Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, excellent pension, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with manageable caseloads and supportive management.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult care and strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Rutland County Council is pleased to advertise an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Adult Social Care Contact and Response Team. This is a 2-year fixed-term opportunity within a high-performing Adult Social Care service, created to strengthen capacity within our front door team and support continued service development.
About the Role
The Contact and Response Team sits at the front door of Adult Social Care, providing advice, triage, assessment and short-term intervention to adults who may require support. The team plays a key role in promoting independence, prevention and early intervention across the Rutland community. As a Social Worker within the team, you will undertake strengths-based assessments, support planning and short-term casework, whilst working closely with partner agencies to ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
You will be involved in:
- Undertaking Care Act assessments and developing outcome-focused support plans
- Providing information, advice and signposting to individuals, carers and professionals
- Triage and screening of referrals within a busy front door service
- Completing Mental Capacity Assessments, Best Interest decisions and Decision Support Tools
- Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns
- Facilitating personal budgets and direct payments
- Working collaboratively with health colleagues and partner agencies
- Maintaining accurate and high-quality case recording in line with service standards
Why Join Rutland County Council?
Rutland is a forward-thinking local authority where social workers are able to build meaningful relationships, work creatively and maintain a strong focus on person-centred practice. Within Contact and Response, practitioners benefit from:
- Manageable caseloads
- Supportive and visible management
- Strong reflective supervision
- Opportunities to develop front door social work skills
- Close partnership working across health and Adult Social Care
- A collaborative and supportive team culture
About You
You will be an experienced and reflective Social Worker who is confident working within a fast-paced Adult Social Care environment, making timely and proportionate decisions to support adults and manage risk effectively. You will:
- Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- Have experience working with adults in a statutory, health or social care setting
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding responsibilities
- Be confident undertaking strengths-based assessments and managing risk
- Have the ability to triage referrals and make proportionate, defensible decisions
- Communicate effectively with individuals, carers, colleagues and partner agencies
- Work collaboratively whilst using your own professional judgement
Our Offer to You
Rutland Council is committed to flexible working and understands the importance of supporting employees to manage work and personal commitments whilst meeting the needs of the service. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff. Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority operates a hybrid working model, combining office and home working.
Equality and Diversity
Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.
Social Worker - Contact and Response employer: East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs
Rutland County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Social Workers in the Adult Social Care Contact and Response Team. With manageable caseloads, strong management support, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's flexible working arrangements and focus on professional development further enhance the appeal of this role in the picturesque setting of Oakham, Rutland.
Contact Details:
East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Contact and Response
✨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. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to social work. Think about your experiences with assessments and safeguarding, and be ready to share examples that highlight your skills and decision-making abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for person-centred practice during interviews. Talk about how you’ve made a difference in people's lives and how you plan to continue doing so at Rutland County Council. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Rutland County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Contact and Response
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'strengths-based assessments' and 'safeguarding concerns', to show we’re on the same page.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; give examples of how you’ve used them in real situations. Talk about your experience with the Care Act or Mental Capacity Assessments to demonstrate your expertise in Adult Social Care.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about supporting individuals. Share stories or experiences that reflect your commitment to person-centred practice and how you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
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 team!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act before your interview. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the legal context of the role and can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully undertaken strengths-based assessments or triaged referrals. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with partner agencies, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively with others. Be ready to discuss how you communicate and build relationships with colleagues and external partners to ensure the best outcomes for clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, support structures, and opportunities for professional development within Rutland County Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
