Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker – Older Adults’ Mental Health

Brief Job Overview

 
We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Social Worker to join the Older Adults’ Mental Health Team at Bracknell Forest Borough Council on a 3-month locum contract. This role offers a great opportunity to work within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to improving the wellbeing, safety, and independence of older adults living with mental health needs.  

You will undertake Care Act assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments (MCAs), and participate in safeguarding work as an assessing officer. The position offers hybrid working with three days per week in the office and flexibility between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake holistic Care Act 2014 assessments to identify needs, strengths, and outcomes for older adults with mental health conditions.
• Develop and implement person-centred care and support plans that promote independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
• Carry out Mental Capacity Assessments (MCAs) in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of service users.
• Undertake duty work and respond effectively to incoming referrals and safeguarding concerns.
• Participate in safeguarding enquiries as an assessing officer, ensuring risks are identified and managed appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals, carers, and partner agencies to ensure a joined-up approach to care and support.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation in accordance with statutory requirements and local authority procedures.
• Promote a strengths-based, recovery-focused approach that empowers individuals to remain as independent as possible.
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice, and professional development opportunities to enhance quality of service delivery.

About You

 
You are an empathetic and skilled social worker with a strong understanding of adult mental health and older adults’ care. You bring experience in assessment, safeguarding, and capacity work, and are committed to delivering person-centred, outcomes-based social work. You are confident working both independently and collaboratively within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualified experience in Adult Social Care, ideally within Mental Health or Older Adults services.
• Excellent knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Safeguarding Adults procedures.
• Experience undertaking Care Act assessments and Mental Capacity Assessments.
• Strong report-writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise competing demands effectively.
• Commitment to promoting independence and wellbeing for older adults.
• Hybrid working availability – ability to attend the office at least three times per week.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Bracknell Forest Borough Council
• Service Area: Adult Social Care – Older Adults’ Mental Health
• Contract Length: 3 months
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – three days per week in the office

How to Apply

 
If you are a dedicated Social Worker with experience supporting older adults with mental health needs, and a passion for delivering high-quality, person-centred care, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.