Social Care Practitioner (Safeguarding Hub)

Social Care Practitioner (Safeguarding Hub)

Full-Time 30132 - 30132 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Local Government South East

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Safeguarding Hub to support vulnerable adults and promote their wellbeing.
  • Company: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a dynamic and innovative local authority.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, employee discounts, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30132 - 30132 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for two Social Care Practitioners to join us in the Safeguarding Hub! These are full-time, permanent roles with hybrid working, and a salary of £26,895 – £30,132 per annum.

About Us

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

This is an excellent opportunity for two enthusiastic Social Care Practitioners to join our Safeguarding Hub.

Why now? It’s a great time to join RBWM. We’ve started our transformation journey—Living Well Together—a vision shaped by staff that’s about helping residents live well and enabling our teams to work well together in a connected, compassionate, and forward-thinking environment. We’re investing in new roles, new technology, and enhanced learning and development to support our teams and improve outcomes.

Our Latest Staff Survey Shows:

  • 92% of colleagues feel their work is meaningful
  • 87% say their line manager demonstrates the council’s values

The Role

You will be working in a lively and fast paced environment with a supportive team of experienced Safeguarding investigators. We work across partner agencies with colleagues from the Police, Fire Service, Health sector and wider care services to manage Safeguarding referrals into Adult Social Care; seeking to promote the wellbeing and safety of adults within the Borough.

Your Role Will Involve:

  • Triage of incoming referrals in accordance to the Care Act 2014, S42 Safeguarding Adults and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
  • Supporting the person at the center of concerns to define their own protection plan where possible and achieve preferred outcomes.
  • Liaising with partner agencies, care providers and families to ascertain risk and response.
  • Ensuring all aspects of safeguarding vulnerable adults are considered and addressed with supervision and support in accordance with Borough policies and protocols.

What We Are Looking For:

  • Experience with Vulnerable Individuals – Proven ability to work with people, especially those with disabilities or complex needs, demonstrating empathy and professionalism.
  • Strong Communication skills.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Emma Berry (Service Team Manager) emma.berry@rbwm.gov.uk or Janette Correa (Senior Social Worker) janette.correa@rbwm.gov.uk.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.

Social Care Practitioner (Safeguarding Hub) employer: Local Government South East

Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.

Local Government South East

Contact Details:

Local Government South East Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Care Practitioner (Safeguarding Hub)

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Local Government South East.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Local Government South East!

Showcase Your Passion and Expertise

Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Local Government South East, will notice your enthusiasm!

Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Local Government South East or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Practitioner (Safeguarding Hub)

Experience with Vulnerable Individuals
Empathy
Professionalism
Strong Communication
Triage Skills
Knowledge of Care Act 2014
Knowledge of S42 Safeguarding Adults

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to Local Government South East:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Local Government South East! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government South East

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.