Social Worker

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council in Derbyshire Dales is seeking a Social Worker to join the START team to deliver time-limited, strengths-based support after hospital discharge or during crises. You will lead short-term reablement plans, promote independence, and ensure safe transitions with a person-centred approach.

You will work with health professionals and community services, balance risk with outcomes, and maintain high-quality case records.

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England and eligible to practice.
• Experience in adult social care with knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Person-centred and strengths-based approach to care.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and commitment to learning.

Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths-based assessments in line with the Care Act 2014
• Support safe and timely hospital discharges and admission avoidance
• Develop, implement, and review short-term reablement plans
• Promote independence and wellbeing, helping individuals reach personal goals
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including leading Section 42 enquiries
• Work in partnership with health professionals, therapists, and community services
• Make clear, evidence-based decisions regarding ongoing support and eligibility
• Maintain accurate, timely, and accountable case records

Skills

SW England registration

Adult social care experience

Person-centred approach

Professional development

Job description

Closing date: 11 October 2026

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Social Worker to join our Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) in Derbyshire Dales.

START provides time-limited, strengths-based support to adults following hospital discharge or during periods of crisis, with a focus on maximising independence, promoting recovery, and reducing long-term care needs.

You will play a key role in supporting individuals through short-term interventions, enabling safe and timely discharge from hospital, and supporting people to regain skills, confidence, and control over their lives.

We are looking for a practitioner who shares our commitment to putting people first, working collaboratively, and achieving meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths-based assessments in line with the Care Act 2014
• Support safe and timely hospital discharges and admission avoidance
• Develop, implement, and review short-term reablement plans
• Promote independence and wellbeing, supporting individuals to reach their personal goals
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including leading Section 42 enquiries
• Work in partnership with health professionals, therapists, and community services
• Make clear, evidence-based decisions regarding ongoing support and eligibility
• Maintain accurate, timely, and accountable case records

About You

• Is registered with Social Work England
• Has experience in adult social care and a strong understanding of relevant legislation
• Demonstrates a person-centred and strengths-based approach, recognising people as experts in their own lives
• Works with honesty, integrity, and accountability, taking ownership of decisions and actions
• Is confident in balancing risk, independence, and positive outcomes
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities effectively
• Works collaboratively, respecting and valuing the contributions of others
• Is committed to continuous learning, reflection, and professional development

Our Values and Behaviours

• Putting People First - listening to individuals, respecting their strengths, and supporting them to make their own choices
• Working Together - building positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and communities to achieve the best outcomes
• Being Accountable - taking responsibility for your work, making sound professional judgments, and delivering on commitments
• Striving for Excellence - being proactive, solution-focused, and committed to improving outcomes and service delivery

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Flexible working arrangements (where applicable)
• A dynamic role where you can make a direct and meaningful impact

Why Join START?

Our START team is central to delivering effective adult social care. We strive to support people to recover, rebuild independence, and avoid long-term care wherever possible.

You’ll be part of a service that values innovation, partnership working, and high-quality practice, helping people achieve positive outcomes at a time when it matters most.

For more information about the role, or an informal chat, please email [e-mail]

Provisional interview date : 20 October 2026