Social Worker – Safeguarding Early Response Team

Our client, based in Worcestershire, is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Safeguarding Early Response Team (SERT). This role sits at the front end of Adult Social Care, working with adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or who require early safeguarding intervention. As part of the SERT team, you will undertake safeguarding enquiries, assessments and reviews, using a strengths-based and person-centred approach to promote wellbeing, independence, and positive outcomes. You will work closely with adults, carers, health professionals and partner agencies, ensuring timely and proportionate responses to safeguarding concerns while applying relevant legislation including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983. The role requires strong assessment skills, sound professional judgement, and the ability to manage complex situations autonomously. Working within a supportive multi-disciplinary environment, you will contribute to safeguarding activity, support less experienced colleagues, and play a key role in ensuring adults receive the right support at the right time. Key Responsibilities Core duties include: Managing safeguarding referrals and responding to concerns relating to adults at risk of abuse or neglect Undertaking and contributing to Section 42 safeguarding enquiries in line with the Care Act 2014 Working with adults who have complex or fluctuating needs, applying a strengths-based approach to reduce and manage risks Completing Care Act assessments, reviews and support planning with adults and carers Carrying out Mental Capacity Assessments and applying the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Identifying and responding appropriately to potential Deprivation of Liberty situations, ensuring the least restrictive options are considered Gathering, analysing and evaluating information from a range of sources to inform decision-making and risk management Developing person-centred support plans that promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes Working closely with health professionals, community services, voluntary organisations and partner agencies to coordinate effective interventions Applying Making Safeguarding Personal principles to ensure adults remain central to all safeguarding activity Supporting adults and carers to access community resources, natural support networks and preventative services wherever appropriate Completing Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Checklists and contributing to multidisciplinary assessments where required Undertaking duty responsibilities and responding effectively to urgent safeguarding and social care matters Maintaining accurate, timely and high-quality case records, assessments and reports Representing the service and presenting professional recommendations at meetings, safeguarding discussions and multi-agency forums Supporting the development of colleagues through mentoring, reflective practice and professional guidance Preparing reports and attending court proceedings when required Qualifications & Experience Professional Qualification MA, BA or BSc in Social Work, Diploma in Social Work or CQSW Registration Must be registered with Social Work England Experience Significant post-qualified experience within Adult Social Care Experience undertaking safeguarding enquiries and risk assessments Experience completing Care Act assessments and support planning Experience working with older adults and adults with physical disabilities Experience undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments and applying Best Interest principles Experience working in partnership with health and social care agencies Experience supporting, mentoring or developing less experienced practitioners Legislation Knowledge Strong working knowledge of: Care Act 2014 Mental Capacity Act 2005 Mental Health Act 1983 Human Rights Act 1998 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Adult Safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures Making Safeguarding Personal framewo…