The Urgent Community Response Team (UCRT) provides rapid, short-term support to individuals in the community to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and support timely discharges. The service operates as part of Adult Social Care, working closely with health partners and other services to deliver coordinated, person-centred interventions. The team focuses on stabilising situations, promoting independence, and ensuring individuals receive the right support at the right time.
As part of a wider integrated system, UCRT plays a key role in reducing pressure on acute services and supporting people to remain safely in their own homes wherever possible.
This role fits within that structure as a Senior Practitioner, providing leadership in day-to-day practice, supporting complex decision-making, and ensuring high standards of care and risk management. The postholder will contribute to service delivery, mentor colleagues, and help ensure the team operates effectively within a fast-paced, responsive environment.
About the Role:
As a Senior Practitioner, you will be responsible for:
- Providing professional leadership and oversight within the Urgent Community Response Team, supporting high-quality, person-centred practice
- Undertaking complex assessments and making informed decisions to manage risk and ensure safe, timely interventions
- Coordinating and delivering rapid response support to prevent hospital admissions and facilitate safe discharges
- Supervising and supporting team members, offering guidance, mentoring, and reflective practice
- Working collaboratively with health partners and other agencies to ensure integrated and effective service delivery
- Managing a dynamic caseload, prioritising urgent needs within a fast-paced, 7-day service
- Contributing to service development, continuous improvement, and the achievement of team and organisational objectives
This role offers the chance to make a real difference by delivering timely interventions that support individuals to remain safe, independent, and well in their own homes, while reducing the need for hospital admission or long-term care.
We're looking for someone who has:
- Significant experience in adult social care or a related field, with a strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and person-centred practice
- Proven ability to undertake complex assessments and make sound, defensible decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience supporting, mentoring, and developing colleagues
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with individuals, families, and partner agencies
- Experience of working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary or integrated teams
- The ability to prioritise workload effectively and respond to urgent situations with confidence and professionalism
- A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and continuous service improvement
This position operates within a 7-day service, requiring flexible shift working, including weekends on a rota basis.
Essential Qualifications:
Relevant Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
DBS Check:
Enhanced level with Adult Barred List is required for this post.
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
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Practitioner - Urgent Community Response Team in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As an Education Lead Adviser based in Grays, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children while collaborating with dedicated professionals in a multi-agency environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth and community engagement, Thurrock Council provides a rewarding career path for those passionate about safeguarding and educational attainment.
