An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Newly Qualified Social Worker to join Hillingdon’s Adult Social Care Single Point of Access (SPA) Team.
SPA are a busy duty team and the point of access for all community-based referrals to adult social care including self-referrals and professional referrals. SPA has a focus on short term and immediate intervention and specialises in:
- Triaging concerns, determining risk and urgency
- dealing with cases that require an urgent or immediate response, crisis management
- completing duty assessment and support planning including for clients presenting with legal complexities such as homelessness arriving via housing or Heathrow airport
- conduct Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interest Decisions where indicated
- completing home visits where there are urgent welfare concerns
- Working with partner agencies such as housing, Heathrow Travel Care/Foreign Commonwealth office, reablement, safeguarding, mental health etc.
The candidate will have wide knowledge of the Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005), excellent organisational skills and can evidence an ability to work in a fast-paced environment with skills around risk assessment and prioritisation.
This role provides a supportive environment to develop your skills and confidence as a social worker while completing your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). Working under supervision, you will manage a caseload of duty-based tasks with a focus on efficient and timely progression of tasks to support to improve outcomes for adults, their families, and carers.
You will work closely with experienced practitioners and a supportive team, receiving regular professional supervision and reflective learning opportunities as part of your ASYE journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain professional registration and comply with the Council’s DBS requirements.
- Participate in and complete the ASYE programme, demonstrating progression against the Professional Capabilities Framework.
- Manage a duty-based caseload focused on short term intervention, within a supervised framework.
- Undertake Care Act assessments, support planning and coordinate interventions primarily in a community setting.
- Carry out capacity assessments and best interest decisions in line with the MCA (2005) where there are concerns around capacity.
- Apply a variety of social work models and techniques to meet assessed needs and promote independence.
- Make effective use of available resources to enable people to live better lives.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with data protection protocols.
- Receive regular supervision while maintaining a critically reflective approach to practice.
- Recognise professional limits and seek appropriate advice and guidance where required.
- Work collaboratively with internal colleagues and external agencies including the police, health services, and voluntary sector partners.
- Advocate for individuals who may require additional support.
- Demonstrate awareness and compliance with professional standards, including the Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework (ASYE level).
About You
You will be a newly qualified social worker who is passionate about supporting adults, families, and carers through person-centred and strengths-based practice. You will have wide knowledge of the Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005), excellent organisational skills and can evidence an ability to work in a fast-paced environment with skills around risk assessment and prioritisation. You will be committed to professional development, reflective learning, and achieving positive outcomes for residents.
You should also have:
- A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- A commitment to completing the ASYE programme.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-agency team
- A flexible and calm approach noting that duty work can at times be unpredictable
- An understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding principles.
- A proactive and compassionate approach to working with residents.
Why Join Us?
At Hillingdon, you will benefit from:
- A structured ASYE programme with dedicated support and mentoring.
- Regular professional supervision and reflective practice sessions.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and progression.
- A supportive, collaborative working culture focused on learning and growth.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Ready to start your social work career with purpose?
Join Hillingdon’s SPA Team and make a real difference in the lives of our residents while building a strong foundation for your professional journey in a supportive team.