At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to assess and support adults in need, promoting independence and well-being.
- Company: Rutland County Council, a top-performing local authority in Adult Social Care.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult care and strong assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Rutland County Council is pleased to advertise an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Adult Social Care Contact and Response Team. This is a 2-year fixed-term opportunity within a high-performing Adult Social Care service, created to strengthen capacity within our front door team and support continued service development. We recognise that candidates are often seeking stability and career progression, and while this post is fixed term, Rutland County Council is committed to supporting and developing its workforce.
Rutland County Council has been recognised as a top performing local authority in England for Adult Social Care, reflecting the strength of our practice, outcomes for people who draw on support, and the supportive environment we provide for our staff.
About the Role
The Contact and Response Team sits at the front door of Adult Social Care, providing advice, triage, assessment and short-term intervention to adults who may require support. The team plays a key role in promoting independence, prevention and early intervention across the Rutland community.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertaking Care Act assessments and developing outcome-focused support plans
- Providing information, advice and signposting to individuals, carers and professionals
- Triage and screening of referrals within a busy front door service
- Completing Mental Capacity Assessments, Best-Interest decisions and Decision Support Tools
- Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns
- Facilitating personal budgets and direct payments
- Working collaboratively with health colleagues and partner agencies
- Maintaining accurate and high-quality case recording in line with service standards
Why Join Rutland County Council?
Rutland is a forward-thinking local authority where social workers are able to build meaningful relationships, work creatively and maintain a strong focus on person-centred practice. Within Contact and Response, practitioners benefit from:
- Manageable caseloads
- Supportive and visible management
- Strong reflective supervision
- Opportunities to develop front door social work skills
- Close partnership working across health and Adult Social Care
- A collaborative and supportive team culture
This role offers excellent experience for Social Workers wanting to further develop their assessment, triage, safeguarding and decision-making skills within a responsive Adult Social Care service.
About You
You will be an experienced and reflective Social Worker who is confident working within a fast-paced Adult Social Care environment, making timely and proportionate decisions to support adults and manage risk effectively.
- Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- Have experience working with adults in a statutory, health or social care setting
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding responsibilities
- Be confident undertaking strengths-based assessments and managing risk
- Have the ability to triage referrals and make proportionate, defensible decisions
- Communicate effectively with individuals, carers, colleagues and partner agencies
- Work collaboratively whilst using your own professional judgement
The successful applicant for this post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. The cost of the DBS and Social Work England registration will be paid by us.
What You Can Expect From the Team
Within Contact and Response you will be part of a friendly and collaborative team that values open discussion, shared learning and professional curiosity. We work closely together to manage risk, support one another and deliver high-quality, person-centred practice. Regular supervision, informal peer support and opportunities to develop your skills are an important part of how we work.
Our Offer to You
Rutland Council is committed to flexible working and understands the importance of supporting employees to manage work and personal commitments whilst meeting the needs of the service. We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff.
Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority operates a hybrid working model, combining office and home working.
Recruitment
Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.
Front-Door Social Worker: Impactful Assessments, Hybrid Work in Oakham employer: Rutland County Council
Rutland County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Social Workers within the Adult Social Care Contact and Response Team. With manageable caseloads, strong management support, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a generous Local Government Pension. This forward-thinking local authority prioritises employee wellbeing and career progression, 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 Front-Door Social Worker: Impactful Assessments, Hybrid Work in Oakham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rutland County Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of the Front-Door Social Worker role. Practise your responses to common social work scenarios, especially around assessments and safeguarding.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for person-centred practice! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've promoted independence and supported individuals in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you truly understand the ethos of Rutland County Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, support systems, and professional development opportunities. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Front-Door Social Worker: Impactful Assessments, Hybrid Work in Oakham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'Care Act assessments' and 'safeguarding concerns', to show we’re on the same page.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you’ve used them in real situations. Talk about your experience with triage and decision-making, as these are key for us in the Contact and Response Team.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, we value person-centred practice! Share examples of how you’ve built meaningful relationships with clients and worked collaboratively with colleagues. This will resonate well with our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutland County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act before your interview. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the legal context of the role and can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully conducted assessments or triaged referrals. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since this role involves working closely with health colleagues and partner agencies, be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated in previous roles. Share examples that illustrate your ability to communicate and work as part of a team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, support structures, and opportunities for professional development within Rutland County Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
