Social Worker

Kent County Council; London, Whitstable; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking council team in London, focusing on enhancing community support for individuals with diverse care needs. This role involves conducting assessments, safeguarding inquiries, and fostering relationships with clients and their families. The council values innovative practices and offers a supportive work environment with flexible arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in social work.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Annual Leave Allowance

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional Development Opportunities

Market Premium Payments

Qualifications

• Demonstrated practice capability in line with professional standards.
• Strong literacy and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Care Act Assessments and Mental Capacity Act Assessments.
• Engage with communities to empower individuals in need of support.

Skills

Literacy Skills

Communication Skills

Social Work Practice

Strengths-based Practice

Education

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

We are recruiting Social Workers with a range of different skills and experience.

Roles are available in East Kent, and we operate in a hybrid model of office-based working and working from home to meet the needs of the service.

£3000 Golden Hello payment to all new joiners (subject to criteria) and service-related payments following continuous service.

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Whitstable Community Team as we enhance our locality working practice and put the person and good practice at the heart of what we do.

We work with adults with a range of care and support needs, placing individuals at the centre of their support. You will undertake work of varying levels of complexity including Care Act Assessments, Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Assessments, Court of Protection applications, and s42 safeguarding enquiries.

Our social care interventions are structured around the three pillars of excellent practice, exceptional innovation, and meaningful measures. Our work focuses on building relationships with individuals, their families, and carers. We engage with communities early to empower people to find trusted help and support locally from various sources.

About You

We welcome applications from both experienced and newly qualified Social Workers who can demonstrate practice capability in line with current professional standards, legislative, and policy frameworks.

You will hold a registration with Social Work England.

You will have strong literacy and communication skills, both verbal and written.

We seek future employees with a positive, forward-thinking attitude, using strengths-based practice centered on individuals' desired outcomes and goals. Our teams are imaginative, locally focused, and flexible. We are looking for registered practitioners with a like-minded approach, working collaboratively as part of a team.

This role requires holding a Full UK Driving Licence. The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments, so applications will be considered even if you are unable to drive due to a disability.

Our Support Offer

In return, we offer an attractive benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements.

We provide generous market premium payments (subject to eligibility), a substantial annual leave allowance, and a local government pension scheme.

Opportunities for professional development include access to our social care academy, progression routes, and a newly launched practice framework.

We support skill and knowledge consolidation, including specialist practice development such as Approved Mental Health Professional Training, Best Interest Assessor Training, and Practice Educator training.

You will receive regular professional supervision and opportunities for critical reflection on your practice, supporting your career development.

Our service is moving towards being accessible outside traditional hours, aiming for an 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week service to meet needs.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England.

This role is customer-facing, and the Council has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that postholders have sufficient command of spoken English/Welsh for effective job performance, as detailed in the Job Description/Person Specification.

We also welcome applications from experienced registered nurses and occupational therapists with relevant community practice experience. If you hold a registration with a professional body (Social Work England, HCPC, Nursing and Midwifery Council) and wish to learn more about these opportunities, please contact Liz Hopkins at [e-mail] or 03000 412647.

For further information about this role, please contact us.

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a diverse workforce reflecting the county's residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths, and those with caring responsibilities. We aim to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves.

Please apply soon, as the closing date may be earlier if a high number of qualified candidates apply.