SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT

Cardiff Council; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body based in Cardiff is seeking a dedicated Social Work Assistant for its Contact and Assessment service. This permanent, full-time role offers the chance to support citizens requiring immediate assistance due to changing needs. You will collaborate with social workers and care providers, helping to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. The position includes comprehensive training and ongoing support, allowing for professional growth within a committed team environment.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Ability to listen and communicate with diverse individuals.
• Problem-solving skills and a positive approach.
• Interest in working with vulnerable people.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing of citizens.

Responsibilities

• Manage incoming requests for support.
• Speak directly with citizens and families.
• Support citizens over the telephone.
• Communicate effectively with social workers.
• Liaise with care providers to meet citizens' needs.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Computer skills

Active listening

Job description

We are looking to recruit a Social Work Assistant to our Contact and Assessment service within Adult Services.

These are permanent positions and provide an opportunity to work in a face paced social work team. Their role is with our Community Duty Team responding to contacts from citizens, their families, care providers and other professionals.

You will join a team of experienced and committed colleagues who work to ensure that Cardiff’s citizen voices are heard, and their outcomes are considered.

About the job

The Contact and Assessment Service teams are made up of a variety of team members, including newly qualified Social Workers, Social Work Assistants, Team Managers and a Service Manager. This specific role will give you the opportunity to further develop your skills and knowledge within a professional, supportive, creative, and hard-working team.

Your primary responsibility will be to offer a response to the Citizens of Cardiff who are already receiving a service from us but may need immediate support due to a change in need. This response will primarily be made via telephone / teams but could also involve you visiting an individual in their own home. There will be additional opportunities for the post holder as required by the Team Manager.

This is an exciting post which will give you the ability to develop your knowledge in the social care area with a view to pursuing a career within social work in the future.

The role includes:

• Working in a team to manage incoming requests for support and changes to existing services.
• Speaking directly with citizens and their families offering support and reassurance.
• Supporting citizens over the telephone.
• Communicating with social workers and colleagues within the service and working with them to respond to citizens.
• Working with colleagues in other sectors of Health and Social Care to find the best solutions to assist citizens.
• Liaisons with care providers in both domiciliary and care home sector to ensure that citizens needs are met.
• Responding appropriately to any safeguarding concerns.

You will be given training and support in your role. The team work closely together and you will be guided by a Senior Social Worker who works alongside the assistants. You will be given regular supervision and the team meets regularly for support.

What We Are Looking For From You

• A willingness to learn and develop.
• An ability to listen and to communicate with a variety of people.
• Computer skills and a willingness to learn how to use existing systems.
• Problem solving skills and a positive approach.
• Interest in working with vulnerable people.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of citizens is an expectation of all who work in the service area.

Additional information

This vacancy is suitable for post share.

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well‑being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

The interview process for this role will be conducted face to face or otherwise on a virtual basis using an appropriate online platform. The hiring manager will advise on the format of the interview as part of the recruitment process. If you have any concerns about your ability to take part in a virtual interview process or would like to have an informal chat about this role please contact. If you require further information or an informal discussion re this position please contact Lesley Doody Service manager, [e-mail].

Important information you need read in order to complete your application:

• Application Guidance
• Applying for jobs with us
• Behavioural Competency Framework
• Recruitment Pack
• Employee Charter
• Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders
• Privacy Notice

Job Category Social Services - Adults

Department Health & Social Care

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent