Senior Social Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage Team

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental body in Chelmsford is seeking a Senior Social Worker for a fixed-term role until 2027. The position involves managing complex cases, providing expert guidance, and supporting Adult Social Care initiatives. The ideal candidate will have proven experience and will foster relationships within the community. This role offers ongoing professional development and flexible working options.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Flexible working options

Employee wellbeing and counselling

Local Government Pension Scheme

27 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Must have Social Work England registration.
• Experience managing complex cases essential.
• Ability to mentor and train others.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance and mentor colleagues.
• Manage a diverse and complex caseload.
• Ensure compliance with Care Act requirements.
• Chair multi-agency meetings and represent Adult Social Care.

Skills

Expert Guidance

Assessment Skills

Compliance Knowledge

Caseload Management

Collaboration

Education

Qualified social worker

Post-qualified experience of 2 years

AMHP, BIA or PE qualified

Job description

This is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity until 31/03/2027.

About the Team

The Centralised Safeguarding Triage team triage and manage all new safeguarding concerns referred into Adult Social Care. The role and function of the team is to support effective decision making to ensure section 42 enquiries are progressed appropriately. The role will have oversight and screening of incoming safeguarding workflow but there will be strong links with all quadrants as section 42 enquiries will remain their responsibility, so there is an opportunity to build strong networks in all areas.

This service also offers a consistent approach to triaging and the progression of enquiries which will provide Adult Social Care with more accurate information about safeguarding data. This is a new innovative approach for Essex County Council and the successful applicant will be part of a team that will shape how we ensure safeguarding is made personal when applying Care Act thresholds.

The position will be a mixture of home and office based however, there will be opportunities to visit adults across Essex as part of triaging the safeguarding concerns based on levels of risk and communication.

About the Role

As a Senior Social Worker in the team you will:

• Provide Expert Guidance: As a highly skilled Social Worker you will foster a supportive environment and model best practice, offering specialist advice, and mentoring both newly qualified and experienced colleagues.
• Assess and Support: You will manage a diverse and complex caseload, undertaking comprehensive assessments and creating person-centred care plans.
• Ensure Compliance: You will support the people we work with to live full and fulfilling lives, within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements, relevant legislation and organisational standards.
• Manage Caseloads: We look to our Senior Social Workers to provide expert social work practice in complex situations, upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
• Collaborate: The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships across the Council and with our partners helps shape solutions that are high-quality and promote independence.
• Represent Adult Social Care: Confident in chairing multi-agency meetings, you will proactively take the lead to ensure a social care perspective is actively represented.

About You

To apply, you should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and be post-qualified 2 years with an in-depth knowledge of complex cases and The Care Act. You will be AMHP, BIA or PE qualified, or have secured intention to complete these qualifications.

We require a proactive and passionate worker who has a proven record of working complex cases and supporting other staff members. A worker who wants to develop and become part of the management Team.

You'll bring significant experience of social work, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We're also looking for your ability to mentor both newly-qualified and experienced team members. As a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance.

With experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi-agency professionals, we're looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults.

You'll also bring:

• Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
• An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
• The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.

This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.

What We Offer

We'll support you to be your best and will offer:

• Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development
• Flexible working options
• Employee wellbeing and counselling
• Lease Car scheme
• Life assurance of three times annual salary
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Volunteering leave
• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - access to free and confidential information, support, and guidance from a team of highly qualified professionals.
• Employee Networks - communities to support you, connect you and help influence change at ECC
• Payment of your Social Work England registration fees!

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Equal Opportunities Employer.