At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for Adult Social Care services and support your community.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, a proud equal opportunities employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 31022 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in your community as the first point of contact for people accessing Adult Social Care services across County Durham. As part of our multi-disciplinary team, which includes Social Workers and Occupational Therapy staff, you’ll provide vital support and guidance to those in need.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As a Social Care Officer within the team, you will be the first point of contact for enquiries received through a range of channels, including telephone, email, and text. You’ll respond to contacts from both the public and professionals from partner organisations, offering advice, information, and support around universal services, signposting to appropriate agencies where needed, as well as taking referrals when appropriate. Social Care Direct operates 8.30am – 5pm on Monday – Thursday and 8.30am‑4.30pm on Friday. You will be on a rota for the days you attend the office.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
Applicants should have experience of working in a fast‑paced customer service environment, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure. A good understanding of Adult Care legislation is advantageous. You should be confident in unpicking complex issues and able to communicate clearly with the wide range of service user groups under Adult Services.
Required Qualifications:
5 GCSEs including English Language (9‑5/A‑C grades) or equivalent. Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Our commitment to safeguarding:
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought, inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether a person is barred from working with adults.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held in week commencing 29th June 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
Social Care Officer in Seaham employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in the community as a Social Care Officer. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide a competitive rewards package, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements, fostering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Our focus on professional development ensures that employees have ample opportunities for growth within a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Officer in Seaham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with Adult Care legislation and the specific needs of the community. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be the first point of contact, being able to clearly convey information is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or managers, like Karen or Ruth, for an informal chat about the role. This not only gives you insider info but also shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to highlight how you meet the essential criteria in your application. We want to see your passion and skills shine through, so don’t hold back!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Officer in Seaham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in customer service and any relevant skills you have. We want to see how you've handled fast-paced environments and complex issues before!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Use the person specification to show us exactly how you meet the essential criteria. This is your chance to shine, so make it personal!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since you'll be doing this in your role!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through the Northeast Jobs portal. So, head over to our website and get your application in – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on Adult Care legislation and the specific services offered in County Durham. Being able to discuss relevant laws and how they apply to real-life scenarios will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or family member. Focus on common questions related to customer service and social care. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you've handled complex issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves interacting with a diverse range of people, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex information to someone who may not have understood it initially.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics or the challenges faced by the Social Care Officer role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
