At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop expert adult safeguarding practices to protect vulnerable residents.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy discounts, health support, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while mentoring and empowering staff in safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult statutory services.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
About the Role
Lead, develop and uphold expert adult safeguarding practice, bridging strategic priorities and operational delivery to protect Sutton residents at risk of harm.
Responsibilities
- Mentor and Empower Staff: Deliver high‑quality coaching, mentoring, and reflective case supervision; provide management oversight when the Team Manager is away.
- Shape Policy and Training: Translate research and legislation into practical training, policies, and guidance for internal teams and multi‑agency partners.
- Model Best Practice in Complex Cases: Directly handle and model expert statutory social work practice for high‑risk adult cases.
- Drive Quality and Performance: Lead casework audits and quality assurance to meet key performance indicators and prepare for regulatory inspections.
- Champion Multi‑Agency Collaboration: Act as Self‑Care Support Lead and Person in Position of Trust (PIPOT) Lead, chair professional meetings, and foster relationships with external partners.
About You
We are looking for a dedicated, highly skilled social work professional who balances technical expertise with empathy.
Essential Qualifications & Professional Standing
- Qualified Social Worker: Possess a professional Social Work Degree and active registration with Social Work England (SWE).
- Advanced Training: Evidence of post‑qualifying training relevant to a social work specialism (e.g., Safeguarding).
- Vetting: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and relevant Council vetting.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Statutory Expertise: Minimum 4 years of post‑qualifying experience within Adult’s Statutory Services, with a robust track record in assessments, support planning, risk analysis, and case reviews.
- Complex Case & Line Management: Minimum 3 years of autonomous management of high‑complexity cases, risk decision‑making under pressure, and line‑management responsibilities.
- Legal & Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of the Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005), and related safeguarding legislation.
- Quality Assurance: Proven experience in auditing casework, implementing procedures, and chairing multi‑agency meetings.
- Communication & Autonomy: High‑level written and oral communication skills; confident in making judgements independently.
- Flexibility & Presence: Excellent organisational skills, ability to meet deadlines, work from the office, and conduct essential home visits and meetings.
Desirable Requirement
- Holding a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification is highly desirable.
Our Offer to You
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 26‑32 days plus bank holidays (pro‑rata if part‑time).
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependants leave.
- Two volunteering days per year.
- Flexible Working – Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role).
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
- Learning and development portal with a range of courses.
- Discounts on local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest‑free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.
Adult Social Care Safeguarding Lead employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
As an Adult Social Care Safeguarding Lead, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents in Sutton. Our organisation prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance. With generous leave entitlements and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, we offer a fulfilling career path for those passionate about making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adult Social Care Safeguarding Lead
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON.
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON!
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON, 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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON 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 Adult Social Care Safeguarding Lead
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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON! 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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
✨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.
