SWRK 5774 - G2 Social Work Assistant - 491633

Southlanarkshire; Hamilton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

South Lanarkshire Council’s Emergency Social Work Services (ESWS) invites applications for a Social Work Assistant to support out-of-hours social work operations from the Hamilton area. You will join a dedicated team delivering urgent interventions and maintaining communication with daytime teams.

The role requires at least two years of social care experience, a full UK driving licence, and flexibility to work a rota including weekends and public holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience working within a social care or social work setting.
• Commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities with dignity and respect.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a team, ideally within care, support or public protection environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Flexibility, resilience and willingness to work within a shift pattern that includes evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assisting qualified Social Workers with gathering information, completing initial assessments, and supporting decision making during urgent referrals.
• Providing practical support and intervention to individuals, families, and vulnerable groups to promote their immediate safety and wellbeing.
• Contributing to partnership working with key agencies including Police Scotland, Health services, and other relevant partners.
• Supporting clear communication and accurate information sharing between ESWS and daytime Social Work teams.
• Maintaining high quality case notes and ensuring all actions are recorded in line with service procedures.
• Prioritising workload effectively in a fast paced environment and supporting colleagues during periods of high service demand.
• This role requires a compassionate, calm and organised approach, with the ability to respond appropriately to a wide range of situations.

Job description

ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 25 October 2026 at 11:55pm.

Location: Pollock Avenue Call Centre, Hamilton
Hours: 35hrs per week, permanent
Work Pattern: please see below
Salary / Hourly Rate: £23.14 - £23.65 per hour, £42,228 - £43,158

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Social Work Assistant position to join Emergency Social Work Services (ESWS).

South Lanarkshire Council's ESWS has operated since 31 March 2009 and delivers essential out of hours support 365 days a year. The service provides responsive, timely and consistent interventions to individuals and families across South Lanarkshire who require urgent social work assistance.

Social Work Assistants will work within a three-week shift rota, including weekends and public holidays. You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality social work support during the out of hours period, assisting the Team Leader and Operations Manager to respond to varying levels of referrals and crisis situations. This role plays an important part in maintaining strong communication and continuity between ESWS and daytime locality Social Work teams.

What will you be doing?

As a Social Work Assistant, you will be part of a well-established and experienced Social Work team delivering essential out of hours support. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting qualified Social Workers with gathering information, completing initial assessments, and supporting decision making during urgent referrals.
• Providing practical support and intervention to individuals, families, and vulnerable groups to promote their immediate safety and wellbeing.
• Contributing to partnership working with key agencies including Police Scotland, Health services, and other relevant partners.
• Supporting clear communication and accurate information sharing between ESWS and daytime Social Work teams.
• Maintaining high quality case notes and ensuring all actions are recorded in line with service procedures.
• Prioritising workload effectively in a fast paced environment and supporting colleagues during periods of high service demand.
• This role requires a compassionate, calm and organised approach, with the ability to respond appropriately to a wide range of situations.

About You

The successful candidate should:

• Have a minimum of two years' experience working within a social care or social work setting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities with dignity and respect.
• Have experience working collaboratively as part of a team, ideally within a care, support or public protection environment.
• Be able to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Show flexibility, resilience and a willingness to work within a shift pattern that includes evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

View the Social Work Assistant job profile.

Work Patterns are as follows:

Week 1

Monday - 16:30-01:45
Tuesday - 16:30-01:45
Saturday - 07:30-17:00
Sunday - 07:30-17:00

Week 2

Monday - 08:00 - 16:45 (Public Holidays - 07:30-17:00)
Wednesday - 16:30-01:45
Thursday - 16:30-01:45
Friday - 16:00-01:45
Saturday - 16:45-01:45
Sunday - 16:45-01:45

Week 3

Monday - 16:30-01:45
Tuesday - 16:30-01:45
Saturday - 07:30-17:00
Sunday - 07:30-17:00

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