Job Introduction
Senior Social Worker - Safeguarding (Ref: ASC/26/040/LLS)
Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)
Department: Adults’ Services
Salary: Range SW3 Level A (£47,435 per annum)
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Gun Wharf
Working style: please select one:
Hybrid – Works part from Gun Wharf and part from home.
Closing Date: 02/08/2026
We are thrilled to announce the transformation of our service delivery model from three safeguarding teams to one unified team. As part of our expansion, we are seeking an additional Senior Social Worker to join our dynamic team.
About the Role:
Collaborate with five Senior Social Workers and two Team Managers to provide strong and effective leadership. You will support our Social Workers, Social Care Officers, and Outreach Worker in delivering positive outcomes for the people of Medway through strengths-based practice.
Key Responsibilities:
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Act as a Designated Senior Officer for safeguarding concerns and S.42 enquiries.
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Ensure timely and robust responses to safeguarding issues, in line with policy, guidance, and legislation.
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Screen safeguarding referrals, make decisions on case progression, authorise safeguarding plans, ensure agreed actions are undertaken and enter accurate case notes in line with required timescales.
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Chair a range of safeguarding meetings.
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Maintain high standards of practice across the team, with a focus on making safeguarding personal.
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Support the Team Manager and Operations Manager in achieving key performance indicators.
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Work collaboratively with council colleagues and partner agencies to meet person-centred outcomes within budgetary constraints.
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Represent the local authority in key meetings, panels, and groups, ensuring follow-up on agreed actions.
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Promote adult safeguarding policies and processes both internally and externally to partners.
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Support the Team Manager with recruitment responsibilities.
About You:
You will have -
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Extensive experience in Safeguarding Adults’ work, ideally as a Designated Senior Officer (DSO) or Safeguarding Adults Manager (SAM).
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Proven ability to manage complex and high-risk safeguarding cases, with in-depth knowledge of the Court of Protection.
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Experience of undertaking complex Mental Capacity Assessments and Care Needs Assessments.
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Experience in supervising social care staff is desirable.
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Ability to work flexibly and autonomously in a high-paced, pressurised environment, including face-to-face visits at short notice is essential to this role.
The successful post holder will be subject to a Standard/Enhanced Adults’ DBS check.
In return we will offer you:
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Generous annual leave entitlement
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Generous local government pension scheme package
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Access to wider training and development qualifications
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Flexible working scheme
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Travel plan discounts
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Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
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Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
Level A
Safeguarding are seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information
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Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role.
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For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
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Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
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Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
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We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
