Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Essex County Council; Maldon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority organization in Chelmsford is seeking a Community Support Worker for their Centralised Safeguarding Triage. This role focuses on triaging and managing low-risk safeguarding concerns, ensuring vulnerable adults receive timely support. The successful candidate will work closely with qualified professionals to foster a strengths-based and preventative approach in safeguarding practices. Strong communication skills and experience in social care are essential for this full-time position.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a social care or safeguarding setting, ideally with adults at risk.
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and guidance including the Care Act 2014.
• Ability to assess risk and apply professional judgement.

Responsibilities

• Triage incoming safeguarding concerns and respond to low-risk cases.
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies.
• Support the development and implementation of safeguarding plans.

Skills

Experience in social care

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Risk assessment

Education

NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Fixed Term, Full Time

£25,395 to £32,131 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: Sunday 21st December 2025 at 11.59pm

Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity till the 31st of March 2027.

Interview Date: W/C Monday 12th January 2026

Safeguarding Adults Triage Practitioner - The Opportunity

Essex County Council Adult Social Care is committed to a strengths-based, preventative approach that places safeguarding at the heart of its work. Our model is built on four key principles: prevention, early intervention, enablement, and safeguarding.

This role is pivotal in our safeguarding pathway, focusing on the triage and management of low-risk safeguarding concerns. You will be the first point of contact for new safeguarding referrals, applying professional curiosity and sound judgement to assess risk, determine proportional responses, and ensure timely and appropriate action.

Working alongside qualified Social Workers and other professionals, you will contribute to safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or neglect, ensuring that concerns are addressed early and effectively, and that individuals are supported to live safely and independently.

Accountabilities

• Triage incoming safeguarding concerns, responding to low-risk cases and determining appropriate next steps in line with the Care Act 2014 and Making Safeguarding Personal.
• Apply a strengths-based approach to assess risk, gather relevant information, and make proportionate decisions about safeguarding responses.
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies (e.g. health, housing, police) to gather information and ensure coordinated safeguarding activity.
• Support the development and implementation of safeguarding plans, ensuring timely interventions and clear outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding documentation, including Section 42 decision-making and case notes.
• Provide advice and guidance to professionals, families, and individuals on safeguarding processes and available support.
• Attend safeguarding meetings and contribute to multi-agency discussions where appropriate.
• Promote a culture of early intervention and prevention, identifying opportunities to reduce risk and improve outcomes for adults at risk.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Experience working in a social care or safeguarding setting, ideally with adults at risk.
• NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and guidance, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and local safeguarding procedures.
• Ability to assess risk and apply professional judgement in triaging safeguarding concerns.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to support adults at risk.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in distress.
• A certificate in First Aid and/or knowledge of Sign Language is desirable.

Please note you will be expected to attend the office at County Hall, Chelmsford once a week on a Wednesday.