At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments to support individuals in maintaining their independence and well-being.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council's First Contact Team, dedicated to community care.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage all to apply, including veterans and care leavers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in social care.
- Qualifications: Understanding of Care Act and experience in person-centred practice is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Staffordshire County Council's First Contact Team engages with citizens across Staffordshire, delivering strength‑based, outcome‑focused assessments primarily via telephone and virtual platforms. These Care Act 2014‑compliant assessments identify eligible needs while recognising people’s strengths, assets and ability to maintain independence. The team works with individuals to develop care and support plans and collaborates closely with Brokerage to ensure services are arranged to meet any residual eligible social care needs. First Contact also provides timely, accessible information and advice, supporting people to connect with appropriate services such as local community support, health pathways, befriending services and preventative resources. The role is 12‑month fixed‑term and includes in‑person assessments for carers and young carers in accordance with the Children and Families Act. Hybrid working with provided equipment is supported.
Responsibilities
- Take responsibility for Care Act assessments and/or Young Carers assessments, including all statutory functions.
- Develop collaborative relationships with adults and their families/networks of support, promoting positive expectations and understanding wishes, feelings and strengths.
- Undertake purposeful engagement with individuals, families and professionals to understand needs, strengths, networks and capacity to consent.
- Analyse information to identify and manage risk appropriately.
- Negotiate and agree realistic, outcome‑focused support plans.
- Work in partnership with colleagues and external professionals to enable independence and positive outcomes.
- Maintain high‑quality electronic records and performance data in line with policy and procedure.
Candidate Profile
- Understanding of Care Act and Children and Families Act and how to identify needs, strengths and outcomes.
- Knowledge of person‑centred and strengths‑based practice when working with adults and all age carers.
- Awareness of risk, safeguarding and proportionate decision‑making.
- Knowledge of key adult social care legislation (including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act).
- Understanding of effective communication with individuals, families and professionals.
- Aware of multi‑agency working and the wider health and social care system.
- Knowledge of professional recording standards and use of digital case management systems.
- Understanding of outcome‑focused support planning and service options.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 26th May 2026.
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. Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role.
For enquiries, contact Claire.holden@staffordshire.gov.uk or Nicola.Williams@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Equal Opportunities
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, including veterans and care leavers. This position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Social Care Assessor employer: WMJobs
Staffordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As part of the First Contact Team, you will engage with citizens in a meaningful way, contributing to their independence while benefiting from hybrid working arrangements and comprehensive training opportunities. The council values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, ensuring a rich and collaborative environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Assessor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Care Act and Children and Families Act, as well as the strengths-based approach. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the job. Focus on showcasing your understanding of person-centred care and effective communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees at Staffordshire County Council on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider knowledge and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Assessor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Social Care Assessor role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and relevant by linking your skills and experiences directly to the requirements in the job description. We want to know how you can bring value to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since this role involves engaging with various individuals and professionals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act and Children and Families Act before your interview. Understanding these laws will not only show your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to person-centred and strengths-based practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with individuals, families, and professionals, be prepared to discuss how you effectively communicate. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated difficult conversations or built rapport with clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as assessing needs or managing risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with colleagues and external professionals. Be ready to share experiences where you've collaborated effectively, showcasing your ability to develop supportive relationships and negotiate outcome-focused plans.
