Social Worker

Job Description
Social Workers – Adult Safeguarding (Section 42 Team)
Job Overview
Croydon's Adult Safeguarding S42 Team is expanding, and we are seeking a confident Social Workers to join our specialist service. This is a fantastic opportunity for practitioners who are passionate about safeguarding adults, who want to deepen their professional skills, and who thrive in a supportive environment where learning and professional development are truly prioritised.

As part of our dedicated S42 Safeguarding Team, you will manage complex safeguarding enquiries, work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, and deliver high-quality, person-centred practice that protects and promotes the rights, wellbeing and independence of adults at risk.

We offer strong managerial support, reflective supervision, opportunities for professional development, and a positive team culture grounded in Croydon's strengths-based, community-led approach.

What We're Looking For
Applicants must have:

• At least two years post qualifying experience working within adult social care
• Strong knowledge of Care Act 2014, S42 duties, MCA, and strengths-based practice
• Experience working with adults at risk, complex cases, multi-agency working, and risk management
• Confidence in undertaking safeguarding enquiries, assisting with meetings, completing analytical reports and safeguarding plans
• Excellent communication, professional curiosity, and the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a specialist team

Desirable (or Willingness To Work Towards)

• Best Interests Assessor (BIA)
• Practice Educator qualification
• Experience of supporting less experienced staff

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• To undertake Section 42 Enquiries and ensure practice is underpinned by the principles of safeguarding and MSP
• Direct work with adults and families involving face to face contact and home visits
• Participate in the S42 duty rota prioritising new referrals, information gathering and participating in SAM discussions
• Complete risk assessments and develop risk management and safeguarding plans
• Carry out Mental Capacity Assessments
• Formulate s42 Enquiry Reports
• Complete Court reports as required
• Manage and prioritise own caseload
• Ensure a high standard of case recording
• Work within a multiagency framework

Applicants need to provide evidence in their supporting statement of how they meet the above key responsibilities.
Why Join Croydon's Safeguarding Team?

• A dedicated and highly supportive specialist safeguarding service
• Strong, stable management team and regular reflective supervision
• Excellent opportunities for progression, training and post-qualifying development
• Access to Croydon's high-quality benefits package, including flexible working, pension, annual leave purchase scheme and wellbeing support
• A culture that values professional curiosity, collaborative working, innovation and continuous learning

Requirements

• SWE registration
• Social Work qualification
• Enhanced DBS
• Ability to travel independently across the borough (by Car)
• Willingness to work flexibly where required

Link to the full job description can be found here
In return you receive a competitive salary and benefits package and ability to work to a hybrid model.Opportunities for further learning and development.The chance to make a real difference in the lives of adults requiring social care support.A supportive and collaborative working environment.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and Children's and Adults barred list check.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Monday 1 December 2025 and interview dates proposed for W/C 15 December 2025
For further information and informal discussion please contact: Siobhan Duignan-Murphy ( ) or Jens Sebastian,

About Us
Croydon Council's priorities
The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon's diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key Business Plan Outcomes

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council's new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.