Safeguarding Social Worker – Adults, Countywide

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Safeguarding Social Worker (Adults) to lead complex safeguarding work for adults at risk, with a rights-led, trauma-informed approach. The post supports practitioners to develop advanced skills and professional confidence within a countywide service, working from Yeovil or Taunton where needed.

The role emphasizes lived experience, strong professional judgement and cross‑agency collaboration, with a focus on learning and system improvement across

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Interest in or experience safeguarding adults, including complex risk and self-neglect.
• Confidence to analyse information, exercise professional judgement and challenge where required.
• Ability to work collaboratively across agencies while maintaining a clear social work perspective.

Responsibilities

• Lead Section 42 safeguarding enquiries under the Care Act 2014 from initial decision through to outcome.
• Work face-to-face with adults at risk, families, carers and advocates, keeping lived experience, rights and outcomes central to practice.
• Chair and contribute to multi-agency safeguarding meetings, driving safeguarding plans.
• Apply the Mental Capacity Act and related legal frameworks in complex situations where risk, autonomy and protection intersect.
• Analyse risk and evidence, challenging appropriately both within the organisation and with partner agencies.
• Produce clear, analytical and defensible recording of professional reasoning and decisions.
• Contribute to a culture of learning, reflection and safeguarding improvement.

Skills

Professional judgement

Cross-agency collaboration

Rights-led practice

Trauma-informed approach

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Social Work

Job description

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Safeguarding Social Worker (Adults) to lead complex safeguarding work for adults at risk, with a rights-led, trauma-informed approach. The post supports practitioners to develop advanced skills and professional confidence within a countywide service, working from Yeovil or Taunton where needed.

The role emphasizes lived experience, strong professional judgement and cross‑agency collaboration, with a focus on learning and system improvement across