At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency social work support, gathering vital information.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a community-focused organisation with strong values.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work-life balance and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during critical moments.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Emergency Duty Service (EDS) operates outside normal office hours, providing statutory social work support for both children and adults. We are seeking 1 x full-time Emergency Duty Service Call Taker to join our team and provide a professional response to all initial contacts from service users and external agencies, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
Working hours: Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 AM; Weekends and Bank Holidays: 24-hour cover on a rota basis.
Responsibilities:
- Acting as the first point of contact for all initial referrals, gathering information calmly and sensitively from members of the public and professionals to enable informed decisions.
- Completing initial referral records to the highest standards, ensuring timely communication with relevant professionals and service users, and acknowledging referrals in writing within 24 hours.
- Updating client information systems and maintaining accurate electronic social care records.
- Conducting checks of historical information and working with the Team Manager or Coordinator to determine the most appropriate course of action based on eligibility criteria.
- Providing accurate information to assist service users or professionals when referrals do not meet criteria for further assessment.
- Supporting social work staff during visits and assessments when required, including standby social workers.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Excellent communication skills – you’ll interact with a wide range of people across the organisation and externally via phone, email, and in person.
- Strong organisational ability and attention to detail – essential for maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.
- Flexibility and adaptability skills – the nature of emergency work means priorities can change quickly, so you’ll need to manage tasks effectively under pressure.
- Commitment to delivering outstanding service – ensuring every interaction is professional and supportive.
- Availability to work required hours – 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM Monday–Friday, plus 24-hour cover on a rota basis for weekends and bank holidays.
Additional Information:
This role is based at Lindum House, a Staffordshire Police building. All non-police personnel are subject to NPPV (Non-Police Personnel Vetting). Successful candidates must complete an NPPV form before any formal offer of employment.
Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.
About Staffordshire County Council: We are no ordinary county council. Our values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and sit at the heart of People Strategy. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. Our benefits are designed to recognise that employees are central to everything we do and to support a healthy work-life balance.
Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding: Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer and a Gold Award Armed Forces employer, we offer a guaranteed interview if your application meets the minimum criteria for the post, and we support care leavers where applicable. This position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable, please disclose details of unspent and spent cautions, warnings and convictions in your application.
Emergency Duty Service Worker employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Duty Service Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work field, especially those connected to Staffordshire County Council. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a potential referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to emergency duty services. Think about scenarios where you had to stay calm under pressure and how you handled them. We want to see your problem-solving skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when sharing your experiences. Remember, this role involves interacting with various people, so let your personality and professionalism come through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Emergency Duty Service Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, make sure to keep your language clear and to the point. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves interacting with a variety of people, highlight your communication skills in your written application. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or situations.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to stand out! Make sure to tailor it specifically to the Emergency Duty Service role, mentioning how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Emergency Duty Service Call Taker. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like gathering information from service users and maintaining accurate records. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively interacted with diverse groups in the past. Think about situations where you had to remain calm under pressure or handle sensitive information. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your experience clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The nature of emergency work means priorities can shift quickly. Be ready to discuss times when you've successfully managed changing circumstances or dealt with unexpected challenges. Highlighting your ability to adapt will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team, the work culture, or specific challenges the Emergency Duty Service faces. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role and organisation are the right fit for you.