Social Worker

Role overview

Richmond and Wandsworth Adult Social Services are hiring an experienced, qualified Social Worker for the Teddington and Twickenham Locality Team. The role is based at Teddington Health and Social Care Centre and Whitton Corner Health and Social Care Centre.

The team includes 14 Social Workers, 4 Social Care Assessors, 2 Senior Social Workers, 2 Assistant Service Managers, and 1 Service Manager. The bases are co-located with local District Nurses and Community Matrons in Teddington and Whitton.

What you will do

• Complete comprehensive assessments for individuals and carers, considering needs, risks, and ways to support greater independence.
• Work in partnership with residents, families, and other professionals through a strengths-led, person-centred approach.
• Use social work values, professional judgement, curiosity, and anti-discriminatory practice in day-to-day work.
• Help residents stay well, reduce harm, and achieve the highest possible level of independence.

What the employer is looking for

• A recognised social work qualification and active registration with Social Work England.
• Solid understanding of the law and duties relevant to local authorities, especially safeguarding responsibilities.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and time-management abilities.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience

• A recognised social work qualification such as a Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, or an equivalent award, plus current Social Work England registration.
• Proven post-qualification experience in adult social care, including assessments, care planning, and reviews.
• Good working knowledge of legislation, policy, and best practice, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding procedures, and local authority duties.
• Ability to carry out strengths-based, person-centred assessments and manage complex situations, including risk assessment and safeguarding enquiries.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals, families, carers, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation, and caseload management skills, with the confidence to make sound, defensible decisions in a busy environment.

Terms and additional information

Salary is offered at PO1–PO3, ranging from £38,976 to £52,767 per year.

This is a permanent, full-time post.

Successful qualified staff receive a £3,000 retention bonus every 2 years.

The organisation covers Social Work England registration fees and provides specialist safeguarding training, regular reflective supervision, and support from experienced managers.

There are also opportunities to grow and broaden professional skills.

Applicants should note the key recruitment dates: closing date Sunday 28th June, shortlisting week commencing Monday 29th June, and interviews week commencing 20th July.

The councils are committed to inclusive recruitment, equality, and diversity, and they support reasonable adjustments for candidates who need them.

The role is part of a safeguarding-focused environment, and appointment may be subject to a satisfactory DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 where applicable.

Employee benefits include 40 days of annual leave including bank holidays, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.