Job Introduction
Social Care Officer - Early Help and Prevention (Ref: ASC/26/060/LLS)
Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)
Department: Adults’ Services
Salary: Range MPR4 Level A (£32,378 per annum / pro rata)
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Gun Wharf / Compass Centre
Working style:
Hybrid – Works part from Compass Centre and part from home.
Closing Date: 04/10/2026
We are currently recruiting for a Social Care Officer to contribute to the delivery of highly effective children and adult services (within Adult Social Care) in an efficient manner, including facilitating safe discharges home from acute Hospital settings and non-acute wards. The service is delivered using a strength based, personalised approach and promotes the least restrictive route of discharge and transition into Adult Social Care services from health pathways.
To work closely with colleagues within the Integrated Discharge Team and with partners ensuring that person centred outcomes are met in ways which utilises available resources as effectively as possible. To work closely with health and social care staff to promote rehabilitation and enablement care post-discharge.
To work within organisational policy and legislative requirements including the Hospital Discharge Service Policy and Operating Model, Health and Care Act, Human Rights Act, Equality Act, Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act. To ensure appropriate information sharing in compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
All staff working in the department have a responsibility for promoting and supporting the Council's policies and procedures for safeguarding. You should ensure that you carry out your duties and work at all times in a way that ensures the safeguarding and welfare of service users.
The successful post holder will be subject to an Enhanced Adults’ DBS check.
In return we will offer you:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Generous local government pension scheme package
- Access to wider training and development qualifications
- Flexible working scheme
- Travel plan discounts
- Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
- Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
Level A
Early Help and Prevention are seeking a Social Care Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role.
- For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
- Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
- Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
- We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
