Social Worker

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

Benefits offered by this job

Supervision

Training & development

Flexible working

Collaborative team

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council's START team in Derbyshire Dales is seeking a motivated Social Worker to deliver short-term assessment and reablement following hospital discharge or crisis. You will help people regain skills, promote independence, and achieve timely, safe discharges.

The role emphasises person-centred practice, safeguarding, and collaboration with health and community services, with supervision and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a commitment to putting

Qualifications

• 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

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

Job description

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.

Provisional interview date : 20 October 2026

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

The job may require unsocial hours working including weekends and Bank Holidays. Payment arrangements will be detailed in any contract offer made.

Saturday and Sunday hours will be paid at plain time where it is part of your normal working pattern unless it is between 7pm and 7am, where enhanced rates of pay apply. Enhanced pay rates are paid for Bank Holiday working.

ASCH1

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values - being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.