Locum Safeguarding Qualified Social Worker

Social Worker – Adults (Safeguarding)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are recruiting an experienced and dedicated Adults Social Worker to join Oxfordshire County Council on a locum basis. This role focuses on safeguarding adults and delivering high-quality, person-centred social work that promotes independence, safety, and wellbeing.  

The successful candidate will be expected to spend a minimum of two days per week in the office. However, during the initial months, you will spend additional time with your service area team to ensure full integration and understanding of local processes and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to safeguarding adults investigations in line with Section 42 of the Care Act 2014.
• Undertake Care Act assessments and reviews to identify needs, risks, and strengths, developing support plans that promote independence and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with individuals, carers, and multi-agency partners to ensure effective safeguarding interventions and care planning.
• Apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and complete Best Interest decisions where appropriate.
• Promote person-centred and strengths-based approaches that empower adults to make informed choices and maintain control over their lives.
• Work proactively with partner agencies, including health, police, and housing, to ensure a coordinated safeguarding response.
• Provide clear and accurate case recordings, assessments, and reports in line with professional standards and council policies.
• Contribute to risk management and decision-making processes, maintaining a focus on safety, prevention, and positive outcomes.
• Participate in reflective supervision, training, and professional development to maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and skills.
• Engage fully with the service area team, particularly during the induction period, to ensure alignment with local procedures and values.

About You

 
You are a confident and experienced social worker with a strong background in adult safeguarding. You bring professional curiosity, sound judgment, and excellent communication skills to every case. You work effectively within multi-agency frameworks and are committed to promoting independence, dignity, and safety for adults at risk. You thrive in a collaborative team environment and have a proactive approach to managing risk and complexity.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial experience working within Adult Social Care, with a focus on safeguarding adults.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Safeguarding Adults procedures.
• Proven ability to manage complex safeguarding cases, risk assessments, and multi-agency coordination.
• Strong communication, report-writing, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to person-centred, strengths-based practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team-based safeguarding culture.
• Flexibility to attend the office at least two days per week and more frequently during the initial induction period.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: Oxfordshire County Council
• Service Area: Adults Social Care – Safeguarding
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week office-based

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Adults Social Worker with strong safeguarding experience and a passion for protecting and empowering adults across Oxfordshire, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.