Social Worker (SAIL)

An exciting opportunity for social work career development has presented within the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate for a Qualified Social Worker to work with the ASC Safeguarding And Independent Living Team. The successful candidate will need to have a keen interest in Safeguarding and an understanding of person‑centred and strength‑based principles.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic team player who is looking for a creative career development opportunity. The successful candidate will need to be knowledgeable, person‑centred and creative, with a strong belief in and experience of effective partnership working and empowerment principles. You will need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to assess and mitigate risk at the initial stage of receiving safeguarding referrals.

You will need to be familiar with local safeguarding pathways, policies and procedures, whilst also possessing a broad understanding of all necessary national adult social care legislation, safeguarding policy guidance and, in particular, the Care Act 2014. You will report directly to and be directly line‑managed by the Safeguarding And Independent Living Team Practice Manager, and will be expected to utilise this support to deliver a high‑quality initial screening and risk mitigation response to all adult safeguarding concerns referred to the local authority with an emphasis on both person‑centred and timely responses.

Overall Purpose Of Job

• To contribute to the daily screening and processing of Adult Social Care safeguarding referrals and Police Connect notifications.
• To provide initial responses and acknowledgements to referrers.
• To ensure timely responses to concerns raised, whilst also ensuring that initial risk identified is suitably mitigated and that people are essentially safe with risks reduced.
• To adhere to both strength‑based and making safeguarding personal principles when screening and communicating with persons at risk of harm and their representatives.
• Complete electronic safeguarding processes to a good standard and ensure that all necessary supporting information is uploaded to customers records.
• Respond to information requests from customers, representatives and safeguarding partner organisations as required.
• Ensure that any necessary referrals for assessment or service provision both internally and externally are completed in a timely manner.
• Contribute to continuous development of the SAIL Team by sharing ideas and offering constructive criticism regarding screening processes and procedures.
• Ensure quality and value for money at all times whilst ensuring that the service complies with relevant legislation, regulations and policies.
• Work in partnership with Children and Younger Persons’ services to ensure that contextual safeguarding issues are addressed as a response to those young adults at risk of exploitation.
• Operational screening functions and corresponding electronic processes.
• Delivering information advice and guidance (IAG) relating to the safeguarding screening process.
• Effective and timely signposting to all internal and relevant safeguarding partner agencies.
• Modelling strength‑based and person‑centred values and principles in all aspects of the safeguarding screening role.
• Supporting the wider agenda of the SAIL Team in terms of meeting the increasing and complex demands of vulnerable people who do not always meet local authority or partner thresholds for accessing service provision.

Overall Responsibility

A good understanding of Newham and the diverse community that we serve is also an essential requirement for any successful applicant to this post. You will be working within a flexible hybrid model which encourages a mix of both office‑based and remote working to maximise output and quality of experience for Newham residents. Professional supervision will be provided by the Adult Social Care SAIL Team Practice Manager.

If you would like any further information about this role please contact Tony Pape on: tony.pape@newham.gov.uk or 0203 373 0513.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti‑racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.