Step Down Social Worker (6 months)

ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in London is seeking an experienced social worker to support adults transitioning from hospital to community life. The ideal candidate will have a Social Work degree and experience in assessments and safeguarding. You will play a vital role in helping residents maintain their independence and dignity. This position offers professional development and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Structured professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with current registration.
• At least one year of post-qualifying experience.
• Experience with adults or older people, including physical disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Carry out timely Care Act assessments.
• Develop support plans that promote independence.
• Manage own caseload, make home visits, and prevent crisis situations.

Skills

Communication

Assessment skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Independence promotion

Education

Social Work Degree

Social Work England Registration

Job description

Overview

Help people rebuild their independence after hospital discharge

This is a fast-paced and rewarding role where you'll work closely with NHS colleagues, support services and families to help adults and older people safely transition back into life in the community. You'll support people at a critical point in their journey, helping them to maintain independence and prevent future crises.

Working Style

You'll be based in the Borough for 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you're working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you'll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives.

What you'll be doing

As part of the Step Down Team, covering Pathway 1 referrals, you'll work with residents who have been recently discharged from hospital, carrying out timely Care Act assessments and developing support plans that promote independence and dignity.

You'll manage your own caseload and work alongside a multidisciplinary team including health professionals, community services and voluntary sector partners. Your role will involve completing assessments within a five-day period, using assistive technology and reablement services wherever possible. You'll carry out safeguarding investigations, Mental Capacity Act assessments, and develop personalised support that minimises risk and puts the resident first.

This is a community-based role where you'll be out and about, making home visits, having conversations that matter and working proactively to avoid crisis situations. You'll also contribute to an urgent response system and play a part in service development by sharing your insight and experience.

Professional development is built into the role - you'll take part in supervision, reflective practice and team meetings, and be encouraged to explore new learning opportunities to support your growth.

For further details, please review the Job Description and Person Specification.

What you'll bring

You'll be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and at least one year of post-qualifying experience, ideally in a local authority or health-based setting. You'll have experience working with adults or older people, including those with physical disabilities, and you'll be confident handling safeguarding concerns and working within a duty system.

You'll bring a strong working knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and associated legislation, along with a clear commitment to promoting independence, choice and personalised care. You'll be able to complete high-quality assessments and support plans at pace, communicate effectively and build trust with residents and professionals alike.

We're looking for someone who can work independently, prioritise their workload and stay focused under pressure. Above all, you'll be someone who genuinely wants to make a difference to people's lives at a time when they need it most.

Why join us

At RBKC, we're all in - investing in our people, our communities and our future.

You'll be joining a supportive and experienced team that works with compassion and professionalism every day. We'll support your development through structured CPD, training opportunities and clear pathways for progression - including Best Interests Assessor and Practice Educator training.

We offer a competitive salary and a workplace where your contributions are valued and your wellbeing is supported. This is more than just a job - it's a chance to be part of a service that puts residents first and supports you to grow.

About us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

In this role, you'll be on the frontline of making that vision a reality - getting stuck in to support vulnerable people as they leave hospital and find their footing again. You'll be part of a wider team effort that brings together different professionals and services, all working towards a common goal: helping residents live well, safely and with dignity in their own homes.

Role Requirements and Interview Details

This role requires an Enhanced DBS.

Interviews will take place w/c 20th October 2025.

Ready to join us?

We're all in - are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description.

We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

New hires will normally start at the minimum of the pay scale. However, a higher starting salary may be negotiated where a candidate demonstrates exceptional skills, knowledge, or experience.