Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Adults Social Worker – Mental Wellbeing Service

Brief Job Overview

 
We are recruiting an experienced and compassionate Adults Social Worker to join the Mental Wellbeing Service at Southampton City Council on a 3-month locum contract. This is a vital frontline role supporting adults experiencing mental health difficulties and/or substance use challenges.  

You will carry out assessments, reviews, and discharge planning under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983, working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to deliver high-quality, person-centred support.  

AMHP status is not required for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Care Act assessments and reviews to identify needs, risks, and desired outcomes for adults experiencing mental health and substance use difficulties.
• Contribute to Section 117 discharge planning and ensure robust, safe, and sustainable support arrangements post-discharge.
• Work collaboratively with adults, families, carers, and professionals to co-produce support plans that promote recovery, independence, and wellbeing.
• Apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of individuals.
• Undertake safeguarding enquiries under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, ensuring timely and effective responses to risk.
• Provide duty cover on a rota basis, responding to urgent referrals and supporting colleagues with complex cases.
• Work closely with HIOW Healthcare, the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and a range of external and internal partners to coordinate care and achieve positive outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams across adult social care, including services for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and older people.
• Maintain accurate, timely records in accordance with professional and council standards.
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice, and professional development to maintain high standards of practice.

About You

 
You are a confident and experienced social worker with a passion for supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges. You have a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and a commitment to delivering compassionate, recovery-focused, and strengths-based social work. You work effectively in partnership with service users, carers, and professionals to achieve sustainable improvements in wellbeing and quality of life.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualified experience within Adult Mental Health or related services.
• Sound knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983.
• Experience in Care Act assessments, safeguarding enquiries, and discharge planning under Section 117.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across agencies and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise complex caseloads.
• Commitment to person-centred, recovery-focused practice.
• AMHP status is not required for this position.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Southampton City Council
• Service Area: Adult Social Care – Mental Wellbeing Service
• 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 a passionate and skilled Adults Social Worker with experience in mental health and substance use services, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.