Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Adults Social Care – Social Worker

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking a skilled and experienced Adults Social Worker to join the Adult and Integrated Care Services team at South Tyneside Council. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference by delivering high-quality, person-centred social work that promotes independence, safety, and wellbeing for adults across the borough.  

The role focuses on person-centred assessment, care planning, safeguarding, and proactive partnership working to ensure individuals receive the right level of support to live fulfilling lives within their community.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Care Act 2014 assessments of adults with varying levels of complexity, ensuring all work is person-centred and promotes independence.
• Work collaboratively with individuals and carers to develop and agree on care and support plans that focus on outcomes and meet identified eligible needs.
• Liaise and work effectively with multi-agency partners, including health professionals, housing, and voluntary organisations, to ensure coordinated support.
• Promote a strengths-based approach to assessment and support planning, maximising individuals’ abilities, family support, and community resources.
• Provide professional guidance, advice, and information on accessing universal and preventative services to reduce dependency on formal care.
• Embed personalisation into all aspects of practice, including direct payments, individual budgets, and self-directed support.
• Carry out reviews of care and support packages to ensure services remain proportionate, cost-effective, and focused on achieving outcomes.
• Manage a caseload of adults with complex needs, ensuring risk is assessed and managed appropriately while promoting choice and control.
• Undertake safeguarding adults investigations in accordance with South Tyneside Safeguarding procedures and the Making Safeguarding Personal principles.
• Provide accurate written reports and support plans, maintaining high-quality case records that are timely, detailed, and compliant with professional standards.
• Work in partnership with local communities and services to promote inclusion, access, and preventative support.
• Represent the service as a witness in court proceedings when required.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of Adult and Integrated Care Services through sharing ideas and best practice.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of social care legislation, guidance, and best practice, ensuring continuous professional development and compliance with Social Work England registration requirements.
• Participate in reflective supervision, team meetings, and the Council’s Employee Performance Management (EPM) process.
• Support and mentor less experienced colleagues when required.

About You

 
You are an experienced, reflective, and person-centred social worker with a strong commitment to promoting independence and wellbeing for adults. You are confident in managing complex cases, carrying out safeguarding investigations, and working collaboratively with individuals and partners. You demonstrate excellent communication, assessment, and problem-solving skills and are passionate about delivering high-quality social work practice.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualified experience in Adult Social Care.
• In-depth knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Safeguarding Adults frameworks.
• Proven experience in complex assessments, support planning, and risk management.
• Strong commitment to person-centred, strengths-based, and outcome-focused practice.
• Excellent written, verbal, and analytical skills with the ability to produce clear, evidence-based reports.
• Experience of working collaboratively in multi-agency environments.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective supervision.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior staff (desirable).

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: South Tyneside Council
• Service Area: Adults Social Care – Adult and Integrated Care Services
• Contract Length: 3 months
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid / Office-based as required

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Adults Social Worker who is passionate about promoting independence and wellbeing for adults in South Tyneside, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.