Location: Torquay, Devon, United Kingdom
Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: 17 June 2025
About the Role
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) is seeking passionate, skilled, and experienced Social Workers who are dedicated to holistic and person-centered care. This permanent, full-time role is based within the vibrant and picturesque Baywide area, offering a dynamic and collaborative team environment. Successful applicants will join a multi-disciplinary team committed to improving outcomes for adults by conducting social care assessments, supporting hospital discharge processes, coordinating community-based support, and working closely with individuals, carers, and families. This is a career-defining opportunity to make a real difference within a compassionate and forward-thinking NHS Trust.
Key Responsibilities
Holistic Assessments & Care Planning
- Carry out strength-based, person-focused assessments in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
- Work alongside individuals and their support networks to co-design effective care and support plans.
- Arrange, monitor, and evaluate sustainable, cost-efficient care packages tailored to individual needs.
- Maintain robust knowledge and application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and safeguarding frameworks.
- Regularly update records using digital systems, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
Safeguarding & Advocacy
- Lead or contribute to safeguarding enquiries for both adults and children as necessary.
- Identify and act on potential abuse, neglect, or exploitation cases quickly and effectively.
- Champion equality, diversity, anti-discrimination, and human rights within all aspects of practice.
- Advocate for service users, especially those who lack capacity or face significant vulnerabilities.
Collaborative Working & Case Management
- Build strong working relationships across Adult Social Care, NHS, voluntary services, and legal/advocacy bodies.
- Represent the team in multi-agency panels, strategic planning meetings, and safeguarding reviews.
- Manage a diverse caseload in line with statutory obligations under the Care Act 2014.
- Exercise sound professional judgment while balancing risk, public protection, and autonomy.
- Share expertise with colleagues and contribute to continuous service improvement.
Hospital Discharge Coordination
- Act as a specialist in facilitating timely and effective hospital discharge plans.
- Liaise with hospital staff, community care providers, and families to ensure seamless transitions.
- Assess patient needs before discharge, identifying appropriate care pathways and funding sources.
- Support discharge arrangements for palliative care patients and those nearing end-of-life.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Professional Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in Social Work (or equivalent qualification).
- Registration with Social Work England, with good standing and commitment to CPD.
Experience
- Demonstrated expertise in safeguarding processes for adults and/or children.
- Direct experience supporting individuals during or post-hospital discharge.
- Experience conducting mental capacity assessments and facilitating best interest meetings.
- Ability to navigate complex family dynamics, risk factors, and care coordination scenarios.
Knowledge & Skills
- Expert knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and relevant statutory frameworks.
- Strong digital literacy with confidence using case management platforms such as Paris.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work sensitively and professionally.
- Capable of working autonomously while contributing to a supportive team culture.
Desirable Skills and Additional Experience
- Understanding of Direct Payments, Continuing Healthcare eligibility, and Intermediate Care services.
- Prior involvement in palliative or end-of-life care case management.
- Experience participating in Court of Protection proceedings or contributing to legal assessments.
- Familiarity with advanced health and social care IT systems and secure data recording protocols.
- Formal training in health and safety procedures, risk assessment, and safeguarding legislation.
Working at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Our Culture
At TSDFT, we are committed to inclusivity, continuous learning, and staff wellbeing. The Trust values each team member’s contribution and invests in creating an environment where innovation and compassion thrive. Flexible working, professional mentorship, and a culture of mutual respect are central to our approach.
Why Join Us
- A genuinely inclusive and diverse workforce.
- Support for international candidates including Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Tailored professional development and CPD opportunities.
- Mentoring, peer support, and reflective supervision.
- Opportunities to shape and lead best practices within integrated health and social care systems.
Career Progression & Development
Ongoing Training
- A structured induction program for new starters.
- Access to regular post-qualifying training courses and workshops.
- Annual Personal Development Reviews and tailored career plans.
- Opportunities for secondments and participation in Trust-wide initiatives.
Leadership Opportunities
- Mentor and supervise newly qualified staff and students.
- Take the lead on multi-agency case coordination and complex safeguarding cases.
- Contribute to service audits, quality improvement plans, and team development strategies.
Legal & Compliance
DBS Check Requirement
Due to the nature of this position, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory.
Criminal Record Disclosure
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa must supply criminal record checks for every country they have lived in for 12 or more months over the past decade. Compliance with these requirements is essential for visa issuance.
Immigration & Sponsorship
Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
We welcome applications from international candidates who meet the essential criteria. A Certificate of Sponsorship is available to support your Skilled Worker visa application for employment in the UK.
UK Registration
All applicants must be currently registered with Social Work England. Visit the NHS Careers website for guidance on professional registration.
Immigration Guidance
Refer to the official UK Government resource on criminal records checks for overseas applicants for up-to-date guidance.
Work Environment & Support
Team Dynamics
The Baywide Social Care Team is known for its collegiality, mutual support, and dedication to high standards of care. New team members benefit from structured induction, buddying systems, and regular supervision. The Trust promotes a positive work-life balance with hybrid and flexible scheduling where appropriate.
Facilities & Resources
- Main office: Union House, Union Street, Torquay, TQ1 3YA.
- Access to comprehensive case management software, mobile work devices, and digital resources.
- Opportunities to work jointly with partner agencies including health services, police, housing, voluntary sector, and education providers.
Application Process
How to Apply
Apply directly through the NHS Jobs portal using the job reference number 388-7186085-AHP.
Important Dates
- Job Posting Date: June 2025
- Closing Date: 17 June 2025
- Interview Dates: Shortly after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Summary
This full-time, permanent Social Worker position at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is ideal for compassionate professionals committed to adult safeguarding, mental capacity work, and person-centered support. With a Certificate of Sponsorship available, we particularly encourage international candidates to apply. Join a collaborative team in a stunning seaside location and help shape the future of integrated health and social care services.
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