Senior Social Work Assistant

Closing date: 31/07/2026

Salary: Grade 13, Ranging from £12,994 - £14,071 per annum for 18.5 hours a week.

Role summary

As a Senior Social Work Assistant within the Emergency Duty Team (EDT), you'll provide vital out-of-hours support to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. Working independently and alongside Social Workers, you'll respond to emergency referrals, help assess risk, arrange immediate support, contribute to safety planning, and ensure accurate recording and handover of information. This is a rewarding role where you'll make a difference in urgent situations while helping keep people safe until daytime services resume.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities

• Assess and respond to urgent out-of-hours referrals alongside duty Social Workers.
• Arrange emergency support, accommodation, transport, and services to keep people safe.
• Manage referrals, calls, and records accurately using EDT systems.
• Visit and support children, families, carers, and vulnerable adults during crisis situations.
• Work independently and collaboratively to manage risk and safeguard vulnerable people.
• Contribute to a high-quality service by promoting equality, safety, and continuous professional development. 

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills

• GCSE’s (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Experience supporting vulnerable children, families or adults in a social care, care or support setting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and risk management.
• Experience handling urgent situations and making sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.
• Confidence working independently, while also being part of a supportive team.
• The ability to work effectively with partner agencies and build positive relationships.
• Good IT skills and experience maintaining accurate case records.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and delivering excellent outcomes for vulnerable people.

Additional Information  

• Fixed Term Contract for 12 Months until October 2027, 18.5 hours a week.
• Hybrid Working, with opportunities to work from home.

• 25 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays), pro rata for Part Time.

• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
• You will require a Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

For an informal discussion and further information please contact Zoe Harris, Strategic Manager -  zoe.harris@somerset.gov.uk