Social Worker Safeguarding - Adult Services

Transform lives, champion rights & support adults to achieve their full potential.

• Full and part time social work posts are available across Somerset. Geographical work areas will be discussed with applicants. We have main office bases in Taunton, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil
• 30 days annual leave entitlement

There is no such thing as a typical day in adult safeguarding. Every person is different; therefore, our responses will be tailored to most suitability respond to the needs of the people we support. We work to find new and innovative ways of meeting their needs. This can include liaising with partner agencies and meeting people at risk within the surroundings that they feel safest within.

You will be promoting human rights, social justice, people’s rights to autonomy and self-determination and positive risk management. Working to change lives and empower people to be the experts in their own lives will be central to what you will do alongside actively contributing to a safe, open learning culture.

The team

We have a centralised Safeguarding Service. The aim of the service is to stop and prevent abuse and neglect for adults who cannot protect themselves through both statutory and non-statutory enquiries. Making Safeguarding Personal, relationship-based practice and multi-agency collaboration are central to practice within the service.

The Safeguarding Service works in partnership with other agencies including the ICB, Somerset Foundation Trust, the police, ambulance service, CQC and providers.

We are a key partner for the quarterly multi-agency Safeguarding Forum which enables safeguarding leads from across the Somerset system to share practice updates, learning and build and maintain effective working relationships. The service also contributes to the work of the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board.

Somerset Council are proud to offer an environment that’s changing to create the right environment for excellent practice and for working with people to develop gloriously ordinary lives.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be.

To be successful in these roles, you will need:

• To be a qualified Social Worker and be registered with Social Work England.
• To have a clear understanding of adult legislation, including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act and how to implement safe practice.
• To have "Making Safeguarding Personal" at the heart of your work.
• To be keen to deliver positive outcomes by working in partnership with people and communities.
• To be responsive, have strong interpersonal skills.
• Access to/use of a vehicle is an essential requirement for this role.
• Applications are welcomed from social workers with experience in Adult Safeguarding as well as social worker with a keen interest to develop their practice within this area of work.
• Applications from Newly Qualified Social Workers are warmly welcomed.

At Somerset Council, we work hard to attract the best staff and we want to make sure that once you are on board, you are well supported and rewarded for the work you do.

• This grade offers 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata
• Hybrid working options where the role allows
• A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
• A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly
• Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Local Government pension scheme
• Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce
• Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
• Relocation of up to £8,000, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street
• My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including; cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Cycle to work scheme

Full and part time hours can be considered depending on team and location.

This is a Grade 10 post with a current salary of £36,124 to £40,476 per annum. Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the salary scale.

We are flexible when it comes to interviews as these can be conducted in person, or virtually over MS Teams.

If you would like to meet the team and find out more about our day-to-day work, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Helen Readdy on helen.readdy@somerset.gov.uk

We are a socially active council and run many webinars and events, team away days, volunteering opportunities plus, hold regular staff Q&A sessions. We encourage professional development and training to support your learning and aspirations. And there are also a variety of networking groups and activities that you can join.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve so we will always welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our teams. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to Social Work Sessions podcast: Social Work Sessions

Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there’s something for everyone!

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.