Social Worker (Contact, Assessment and Resolution Team)

Hampshire County Council; Havant; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join its Contact, Assessment and Resolution Team. The role involves triaging referrals and providing supervision for Case Workers. Applicants should have a Social Work qualification and experience in safeguarding cases. The position offers professional development opportunities, a competitive benefits package, and a commitment to work-life balance. Ideal candidates are compassionate and skilled communicators, able to adapt to various audiences.

Benefits

Excellent Practice Validation program

Continuous learning and supportive supervision

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England (SWE). Cannot consider Newly Qualified Social Workers.
• Knowledge of up-to-date safeguarding best practices.
• Commitment to demonstrating compassion, empathy, and respect.

Responsibilities

• Triaging incoming phone and online referrals and identifying risk.
• Providing supervision and practice advice on complex cases.
• Directing individuals to the relevant team or partner agency.
• Achieving performance targets for calls and online referrals.
• Supporting quality assurance oversight and training delivery.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Understanding of complex safeguarding cases

Ability to apply strengths-based approach

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Our team is currently based at The Parkway in Fareham, but our offices will be moving to Havant Public Service Plaza next year.

Joining our Contact, Assessment and Resolution Team (CART) as a qualified and experienced Social Worker, you’ll be innovative, person‑centred, and committed to working in a strengths‑based way.

Our team is the first point of contact for people looking for advice and support from Adults’ Health and Care, handling nearly 100,000 enquiries a year by telephone, online forms and web chat. In line with our Care Act (2014) duties, and using a strengths‑based approach, we identify support networks, signpost people to alternative community resources, and consider needs that could be best met by Adults Services, including through the means of occupational therapy equipment and services.

Whilst our team doesn't meet service users face‑to‑face, we do provide direct customer service and act as the ‘front door’ to our Adults’ Health and Care services.

What you’ll be doing:

• Triaging incoming telephone and online referrals and identifying risk.
• Providing supervision for Case Workers and Senior Case Workers and practice advice on complex cases.
• Providing signposting where appropriate, directing individuals to the relevant team or partner agency.
• Achieving performance targets on the number of calls and online referrals you complete, as well as the quality of your responses.
• Supporting with quality assurance oversight, encompassing the Quality Management System processes and training delivery for new starters.

What we’re looking for:

• Social Work qualification and registered with Social Work England (SWE). Due to the needs of the team, we’re unable to consider Newly Qualified Social Workers for this post.
• Understanding of complex safeguarding cases and knowledge of up‑to‑date safeguarding best practice.
• A sound understanding of how to apply a strengths‑based approach to practice.
• Strong communication skills and ability to adapt your style to different audiences.
• Commitment to demonstrating our values and behaviours, showing compassion, empathy and respect.

Why join us?

• Excellent Practice Validation: Progress to a Senior Social Worker role through our Excellent Practice Validation programme. Our Senior Social Workers are paid a market supplement of £3,000 pro‑rata per annum.
• Professional development: Continuous learning and supportive supervision.
• Work‑life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Welfare Worker, Case Manager, Social Work Practitioner.