Job Description
Employer: Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: Wirral, Mallory, 2 Alice Ker Square
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Salary: £40,444 – £43,149 per year, plus benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 36 hours per week
Working Pattern: Full-time, flexible hours
DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS
Reference: AH&SC/26/342841
Closing Date: 13 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Make a Difference as an Adult Safeguarding Social Worker
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council is looking for an experienced Social Worker to join its Adults Safeguarding Team.
This role offers an opportunity to work directly with adults who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other forms of harm. You will use your professional knowledge and judgement to assess risk, coordinate safeguarding activity, and help people achieve safer and more independent lives.
At Wirral Council, our work is guided by four key principles: ambition, professionalism, accountability and a strong focus on residents. These values shape the way we work with residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
If you want a role where your professional decisions can have a meaningful impact on people’s wellbeing, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within adult social care.
About the Position
As part of the Adults Safeguarding Team, you will manage a varied caseload and take responsibility for safeguarding work from initial concerns through to appropriate outcomes.
You will be expected to work independently while also collaborating closely with colleagues and external agencies. The role involves applying the Care Act 2014, professional standards and relevant safeguarding procedures to ensure adults at risk receive appropriate protection and support.
Your Main Responsibilities
Your duties will include:
– Taking the lead on safeguarding enquiries in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
– Responding to and assessing new safeguarding concerns as part of the Duty Rota.
– Managing a varied caseload while exercising professional autonomy and sound judgement.
– Carrying out strengths-based assessments and identifying the individual’s needs, wishes and desired outcomes.
– Developing practical, outcome-focused support and safeguarding plans.
– Completing Mental Capacity Assessments where appropriate.
– Holding Making Safeguarding Personal conversations with adults and using their views to inform safeguarding decisions.
– Assessing and managing complex risks while taking proportionate action to promote safety.
– Working with healthcare professionals, police, care providers, voluntary organisations and other partner agencies.
– Applying legislation, council procedures and recognised social work practice to safeguarding situations.
– Sharing professional advice and guidance with colleagues and partner professionals.
– Maintaining accurate records and producing clear, evidence-based reports.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a qualified Social Worker who can demonstrate professional confidence, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to adult safeguarding.
You should have:
– A recognised Social Work qualification.
– Current registration with Social Work England.
– Experience working in adult safeguarding or another relevant statutory adult social care setting.
– The ability to assess complex situations and make well-reasoned, evidence-based decisions.
– Strong written and verbal communication skills.
– Good analytical and report-writing abilities.
– Experience of managing risk and working within safeguarding procedures.
– The ability to manage your workload effectively and work with an appropriate level of independence.
– A collaborative approach and the confidence to work with professionals from different agencies.
Why Work for Wirral Council?
Wirral Council aims to create a workplace where employees can develop professionally while making a positive contribution to local communities.
Staff wellbeing, learning and career development are important parts of the organisation’s approach. Employees can also access a range of benefits and flexible working arrangements.
Depending on eligibility, benefits include:
– Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
– Immediate life cover.
– Ill-health protection.
– Staff discounts.
– Hybrid and flexible working opportunities.
– Family-friendly employment initiatives.
– 28 days of annual leave, plus public holidays.
– Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
The Council also places strong emphasis on inclusion. Different perspectives and experiences are valued, and employees are encouraged to contribute to a workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to succeed.
Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility
Wirral Council welcomes applications from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds.
The Council is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and removing unnecessary barriers throughout the recruitment process. If you need reasonable adjustments or would like the recruitment process adapted to make it more accessible, you can contact the recruitment team at recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.
Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks
Wirral Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.
Successful candidates will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks. These may include:
– Enhanced DBS clearance, including relevant Barred List checks.
– Verification of identity.
– Qualification checks.
– Employment references.
– Right-to-work verification.
– Other appropriate safer-recruitment checks.
Further information about the Council’s safer recruitment policies is available on the official Wirral Council website.
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK or be able to satisfy the relevant UK immigration requirements before starting employment.
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered where this position is eligible for sponsorship and the applicant meets all applicable Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration requirements.
Anyone who may require sponsorship should check the current eligibility rules for the Skilled Worker route before submitting an application. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and will depend on the role’s eligibility and the applicant meeting the relevant requirements.
Applicants should obtain independent professional immigration advice if they need guidance about their individual circumstances.
Support for Existing Wirral Council Employees
Current Council employees are encouraged to consider internal career opportunities as part of Wirral’s wider talent and development strategy.
The Council supports employees who want to build their skills, progress within the organisation and explore future career opportunities. For further information about internal recruitment support, contact recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.
Help With Your Application
Wirral residents who are unemployed or currently out of work and need support with their application can contact Involve Northwest’s employment and skills team.
Email: info@involvenorthwest.org.uk
Telephone: 0151 644 4500 or 0151 652 4349
Important Application Information
Applications must be submitted through the Council’s online Jobs page after registration. Applications sent by post will not be processed.
Please keep the following points in mind:
– Applications must be submitted by the stated closing date.
– The Council may withdraw the vacancy before the advertised deadline if enough applications are received.
– Candidates invited to interview will need to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.
– Job descriptions and supporting documents may no longer be available after the vacancy closes, so download any documents you need before the deadline.
– Recruitment agencies should not submit candidates or CVs unless the vacancy specifically states otherwise.
– Employees subject to a formal Council redeployment process will be considered first in accordance with Council policy.
– The Council generally does not reappoint employees who previously left under its Early Voluntary Retirement or Voluntary Severance arrangements, except in exceptional circumstances.
How to Apply
If you have the required social work qualification, adult safeguarding experience and a strong commitment to protecting adults at risk, this permanent Social Worker – Adults Safeguarding position with Wirral Council could be a strong next career step.
Closing date: 13 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Reference: AH&SC/26/342841
Hours: 36 per week
Salary: £40,444 – £43,149
For role-specific enquiries, contact Helen Brooks at helenbrooks@wirral.gov.uk.
Applications should be completed through the official Wirral Council Jobs service.