Salary: £31.80 per hour

Darlington Council is seeking a dynamic Senior Social Worker to join our vital Front Door Team. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a fast-paced environment, making immediate impact and guiding the direction of support for our community.

As a Senior Social Worker in our Front Door Team, you will be instrumental in:

• Responding to and Prioritising Referrals:

  • Acting as the initial point of contact for all new referrals and enquiries concerning the safety and well-being of children, young people, or adults.

  • Undertaking robust initial screening and triage of complex and urgent referrals, making critical decisions about appropriate next steps.

  • Prioritising workloads effectively in a high-volume, dynamic environment, ensuring timely responses to emergent risks.

• Conducting Rapid Information Gathering and Analysis:

  • Gathering comprehensive information from a variety of sources (e.g., referrers, police, health, education, other agencies) to inform initial assessments.

  • Utilising advanced analytical skills to interpret complex information quickly and identify potential risks and needs.

  • Applying a sound understanding of thresholds for intervention, including child protection and adult safeguarding procedures.

• Making Timely and Proportionate Decisions:

  • Making professional judgments about the appropriate course of action, which may include signposting, no further action, or progressing to a full assessment or immediate safeguarding response.

  • Collaborating with other professionals and agencies to ensure a coordinated and proportionate multi-agency response to concerns.

  • Providing clear and concise rationale for decisions made, documented accurately and promptly.

• Providing Expert Consultation and Guidance:

  • Offering professional advice and consultation to referrers, colleagues, and other professionals regarding concerns about children or adults.

  • Guiding less experienced team members in managing initial enquiries and risk assessment.

  • Contributing to team meetings and discussions, sharing expertise and promoting best practice in early intervention.

• Communicating Effectively:

  • Communicating clearly and sensitively with referrers, families, and individuals, often in challenging circumstances.

  • Producing accurate, concise, and timely records of all contacts, discussions, and decisions made.

Key Requirements:

• You must be a Qualified Social Worker.

• Social Work England registration is essential.

• An updated Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required.

Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.

Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.