Social Worker – Adult Safeguarding

Our client, based in Devon, is seeking experienced Adult Social Workers to join their Safeguarding Adults Service on a project basis. The service receives and responds to safeguarding adult referrals across the county and is currently delivering key improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening safeguarding capacity and ensuring timely, proportionate interventions. Successful candidates will work within specialist project teams focused on either triaging and progressing low-level safeguarding concerns or undertaking more complex safeguarding enquiries requiring multi-agency collaboration. This is an excellent opportunity for highly experienced practitioners with strong safeguarding expertise who can work autonomously, demonstrate sound professional judgement, and contribute to a positive and supportive team environment. You will work alongside Social Care Assessors, Social Workers, Advanced Practitioners and Team Managers, supporting the effective delivery of safeguarding services while maintaining a person-centred and strengths-based approach throughout practice. In addition to managing complex safeguarding work, you will provide leadership, guidance and support to colleagues, assist with the day-to-day operational management of workloads and waiting lists, and deputise for the Team Manager where required. What you'll be doing Managing and progressing safeguarding adult referrals in line with the Care Act 2014 and local safeguarding procedures. Undertaking safeguarding enquiries and coordinating proportionate responses to protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Completing comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and safeguarding interventions to achieve positive outcomes for service users. Conducting Mental Capacity Assessments and applying the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Contributing to Best Interests decision-making processes and supporting Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) work where required. Providing professional support, advice and guidance to Social Workers, Social Care Assessors and wider team members. Supporting the day-to-day management of waiting lists and reviewing functions to ensure timely service delivery. Assisting with the operation of the safeguarding duty service and helping to manage competing priorities effectively. Working collaboratively with health professionals, police, care providers and other partner agencies to coordinate safeguarding responses. Making defensible decisions based on sound assessment, evidence, legal literacy and professional judgement. Maintaining accurate, timely and high-quality case recordings, reports and safeguarding documentation. Promoting person-centred, strengths-based and outcome-focused practice across all areas of work. Contributing to service improvements and supporting safeguarding development initiatives. Providing supervision, mentoring and support to less experienced practitioners where appropriate. Deputising for the Team Manager as required, supporting operational oversight and team performance. Working autonomously while adapting quickly to changing demands and workload priorities. What we're looking for Qualifications MA, BA or BSc in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work or CQSW. Registration Registered with Social Work England. Experience Minimum 5 years' post-qualifying experience as a Social Worker. Significant experience within Adult Safeguarding services. Experience undertaking complex safeguarding enquiries and risk management. Experience completing Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interests decisions. Experience supporting colleagues through supervision, mentoring or practice leadership. Experience working within multi-agency environments and collaborating with partner organisations. Experience managing high workloads within fast-paced safeguarding services. Legislation Knowledge Strong working knowledge of: Care Act 2014. Mental Capacity Act 2005. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Human Rights Act 1998. Adult S…