At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults and respond to safeguarding concerns in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join Devon County Council's dedicated Safeguarding Adults Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Experience with the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding legislation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Fixed Term/Secondment – 12 months. We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker position within the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service. The Devon Safeguarding Adults Service is a countywide service that receives and responds to safeguarding adult concern referrals raised with Devon County Council. The team comprises of Social Care Assessors, Social Workers, Team Managers and Advanced Practitioners and the service is led by the Service Manager.
You will need to have experience of working with the Care Act 2014 and in applying Section 42(1) criteria to safeguarding adult concerns, in addition to experience of providing advice and support related to safeguarding adults legislation and framework. The service receives high demand and the nature of the role will require you to be highly organised and able to manage your workload efficiently in line with organisational timescales and expectations.
Social Worker Career Pathway
We have implemented the first phase of a new Social Worker Career Pathway within our Adults Services, with our vacancies available at the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) levels. Our Social Worker and Experienced Social Worker roles align with the national Professional Capability Framework (PCF) for Social Workers, which provides a robust structure for all local authorities to use as a way of standardising professional capabilities and provides a clear career pathway. When shortlisted for interview, your experience, skills and knowledge will be assessed against the PCF domains and if found appointable, this will determine your appointment to either the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) level. With ongoing learning and support from your line manager, those appointed as a Social Worker will be able to evidence incremental learning and submit an application in due course for progression to the Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) via a portfolio of supporting evidence against the PCF framework.
What we can offer you
- We are committed to your continuous professional development, providing excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities for discussion and reflection with your line manager and peers.
- 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
- Flexible working opportunities are available, including part‑time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (subject to the needs of the role).
- Opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Devon is attractive with top‑performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, picturesque villages and scenic coast and countryside.
Working as a Social Worker in Devon is highly appealing. At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.
EEO and Equality
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
Happy to talk Flexible Working – the Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part‑time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with our Applicant privacy notice. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. This role requires a DBS disclosure. This role requires Social Work England Registration (SWE).
Social Worker – Devon Safeguarding Adults Service – 0040 in Exeter employer: Proud to Care Devon
Devon County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Workers within the Devon Safeguarding Adults Service. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including 26 days of annual leave, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Devon. The council values diversity and promotes a culture of reflection and growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Devon Safeguarding Adults Service – 0040 in Exeter
✨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 Proud to Care Devon.
✨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 Proud to Care Devon!
✨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 Proud to Care Devon, 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 Proud to Care Devon 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 Worker – Devon Safeguarding Adults Service – 0040 in Exeter
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 Proud to Care Devon:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Proud to Care Devon! 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 Proud to Care Devon
✨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.
