We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic social worker to play a key role within the Social Care Direct team, which serves as the vital ‘front of house‘ for Adult Services and the first point of contact for both the public and professionals. Social Care Direct is currently exploring new ways of working and implementing improvements across the team. This includes adopting new technology and streamlining existing processes. It is an ideal time for a Social Worker to join Social Care Direct and be a part of a progressive, forward-thinking team that is committed to enhancing the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of our services for adults in need of care and support. About the team Social Care Direct operates within a contact centre environment, bringing together: Social Care Officers, Social workers and Occupational Therapy staff. Working as a multi-disciplinary team, we act as the first point of contact for anyone seeking support from Adult Social Care. What we do Receive contacts via telephone, email, and text message. Triage and prioritise enquiries to ensure individuals receive a timely and appropriate response. Complete referrals to send to the wider organisation. Liaise with professionals and external organisations to ensure coordinated support. Provide a professional, person-centred service that ensures adults in County Durham get the right support at the right time. Apply a strengths-based approach, recognising the abilities, resources, and networks that people and their communities can draw upon to promote independence and resilience. The Social Workers within Social Care Direct play a vital role in supporting Social Care Officers, particularly in relation to Care Act responsibilities. They are also responsible for the screening of safeguarding concerns reported into the service, responding proportionately, and ensuring effective escalation and partnership working. In addition, Social Workers undertake research and preparation for MARAC and MAPPA meetings and attend MARAC meetings via Microsoft Teams on a rota basis, contributing to effective multi-agency safeguarding. What is involved? You will undertake all statutory duties in line with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation, always placing the principle of promoting and supporting wellbeing at the centre of your practice. Be confident in making timely and proportionate decisions, often in situations where information is complex or incomplete. Be part of regular supervisions, support/carry out reflective practice, make full use of training and development opportunities. You will be joining a supportive, multi-disciplinary team that values collaboration and recognises the unique contribution of each member. Social Care Direct prides itself on fostering an environment where professional curiosity, safeguarding responsibilities, and a strengths-based approach are embedded in day-to-day practice. We encourage you to contact Karen Sharkey via email at karen.sharkey@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. What will I need? You will be a qualified Social Worker or equivalent. Demonstrate sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and practice. Be confident in making proportionate decisions, balancing risk, and applying professional curiosity. Thrive in a busy contact centre/front door environment, with the ability to remain calm, organised, and solution-focused under pressure. Work effectively with partners, colleagues, and the wider community to deliver joined-up support. Embody Durham County Council’s OPEN values Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. Interviews Interviews are expected to be held on week beginning 15th December 2025 We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. Our offer to you We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Equality, diveristy and inclusion We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. How to apply Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. Connect with us Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website VPRS/161