At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide vital support and assessments for adults in need.
- Company: Rutland County Council, a top-performing local authority in Adult Social Care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Supportive team culture 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 31500 - 38500 £ 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.
As a Social Worker within the team, you will undertake strengths-based assessments, support planning and short-term casework, whilst working closely with partner agencies to ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
You will be involved in:
- 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
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
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.
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. We welcome applications from Social Workers who are looking to broaden their experience within a front door Adult Social Care setting and join a supportive, high-performing team.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Costs for the DBS and Social Work England registration are covered by Rutland County Council. Please note that you will need a full driving licence to enable you to travel across the county.
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.
You will:
- 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
Informal enquiries
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact: Alison Morgan, Head of Prevention and Assurance ASC amorgan@rutland.gov.uk
We review applications frequently; however, in periods of high demand, the role may close earlier than advertised, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Our benefits
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- A strong focus on health, wellbeing, and work-life balance
For further information on the benefits of working for Rutland, please see our careers page: Jobs and volunteering | Rutland County Council
Our Values
Our values - Passionate, Ambitious, Work Together, and Make a Difference - guide everything we do. We're looking for people who share these values and want to contribute to strong, supportive teams that deliver positive outcomes for our communities.
Social Worker Contact and Response employer: Rutland County Council
Rutland County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees. With a strong focus on work-life balance, generous annual leave, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support, we foster a collaborative and supportive work culture. Our values of Passionate, Ambitious, Work Together, and Make a Difference guide our mission, making Rutland a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in adult social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Contact and Response
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Rutland County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Contact and Response
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Rutland County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Rutland County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutland County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Rutland County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Worker Contact and Response role at Rutland County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Rutland County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
