At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support adults in need through assessments and interventions.
- Company: Rutland County Council, a top-performing local authority in Adult Social Care.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with manageable caseloads and regular supervision.
- 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 decision-making 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.
Fixed-term opportunities within Adult Social Care can provide valuable experience, professional development and future progression opportunities within the organisation. 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.
Social Worker, Contact and Response 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 while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's recognition as a top-performing local authority reflects its dedication to high-quality practice and employee wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those seeking stability and growth in their social work careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Contact and Response in Oakham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rutland County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that face-to-face interview! Brush up on your knowledge of the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. We want to demonstrate our expertise and confidence in handling real-life scenarios during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for person-centred practice! During the interview, share examples of how we've made a difference in people's lives. This will highlight our commitment to the values that Rutland County Council stands for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture and support available. This not only shows our enthusiasm but also helps us determine if this is the right fit for us.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker, Contact and Response in Oakham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our Adult Social Care Contact and Response Team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strengths in areas like assessment, triage, and safeguarding. We’re looking for someone who can make timely decisions, so let us know how you've done this in your previous roles.
Be Person-Centred:Since we focus on person-centred practice, share examples of how you've built meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues. This will show us that you understand the importance of collaboration in social work.
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 team at Rutland County Council!
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 triaged referrals or managed safeguarding concerns. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your decision-making skills.
✨Demonstrate Person-Centred Practice
Be ready to discuss how you promote independence and support individuals in a person-centred way. Think of scenarios where you've worked collaboratively with clients and other professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, supervision practices, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.