We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic social worker to play a key role within the Social Care Direct team, which serves as the vital front of house for Adult Services and the first point of contact for both the public and professionals.
Social Care Direct is currently undergoing a programme of continuous improvement, focused on enhancing service delivery through the implementation of new technology, process improvements and innovative ways of working. This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and forward-thinking team at a time of positive change, helping to shape and develop a service that is committed to improving the quality, efficiency and accessibility of support for adults with care and support needs.
Newly Qualified Social Workers (ASYE)
If you are a Newly Qualified Social Worker, you will complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in your first year with us, with structured support, protected development time and access to mentoring to help you build confidence and progress in your role.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Social Care Direct operates within a contact centre environment, bringing together: Social Care Officers, Social Workers and Occupational Therapy staff.
Working as a multi-disciplinary team, we act as the first point of contact for anyone seeking support from Adult Social Care.
WHAT WE DO
- Receive contacts via telephone, email, and text message. Triage and prioritise enquiries to ensure individuals receive a timely and appropriate response.
- Complete referrals to send to the wider organisation.
- Liaise with professionals and external organisations to ensure coordinated support.
- Provide a professional, person-centred service that ensures adults in County Durham get the right support at the right time.
- Apply a strengths-based approach, recognising the abilities, resources, and networks that people and their communities can draw upon to promote independence and resilience.
- Complete safeguarding concerns and some section 42 enquires.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Social Care Direct Social Workers are responsible for the screening and triage of all adult safeguarding concerns reported to the service. They play a key role in assessing risk, ensuring concerns are responded to proportionately and in a timely manner, and facilitating escalation to a Section 42 safeguarding enquiry where required. The role involves effective information sharing and close partnership working with colleagues across health and social care, the police, and other agencies to safeguard adults at risk.
This is a fast-paced environment where quick, informed decision-making and timely action are essential to manage the high volume of safeguarding concerns received. Social Workers must be able to analyse information effectively, assess risk, prioritise competing demands, and exercise sound professional judgement to ensure adults are protected and receive the most appropriate response.
In addition, Social Workers undertake research and preparation for MARAC, MATAC and MAPPA meetings and attend MARAC and MATAC meetings via Microsoft Teams on a rota basis, contributing to effective multi-agency safeguarding.
The Social Workers within Social Care Direct play a vital role in supporting Social Care Officers, particularly in relation to Care Act responsibilities.
You will undertake all statutory duties in line with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation, always placing the principle of promoting and supporting wellbeing at the centre of your practice.
Be confident in making timely and proportionate decisions, often in situations where information is complex or incomplete.
Be part of regular supervisions, support/carry out reflective practice, make full use of training and development opportunities.
You will be joining a supportive, multi-disciplinary team that values collaboration and recognises the unique contribution of each member. Social Care Direct prides itself on fostering a positive working environment where professional curiosity, safeguarding responsibilities and strengths-based practice are embedded in day-to-day work. Staff are encouraged to apply critical thinking, make proportionate decisions and work collaboratively with partners to achieve positive outcomes for adults with care and support needs.
We encourage you to contact Karen Sharkey Team Manager
[email protected] or Claire Graham Assistant team manager
[email protected] via email at to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
- You will be a qualified Social Worker or equivalent
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and practice.
- Be confident in making proportionate decisions, balancing risk, and applying professional curiosity.
- Thrive in a busy contact centre/front door environment, with the ability to remain calm, organised, and solution-focused under pressure.
- Work effectively with partners, colleagues, and the wider community to deliver joined-up support.
- Embody Durham County Councils OPEN values
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are expected to be held on Week Commencing 3rd August 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email
[email protected]
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from
[email protected]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.
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