Social Worker

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Job Details

Thanks for your interest in this unique opportunity to join the small, well-established, Out of Hours Social Work Team. This is a permanent 24-hour post (3 x 8-hour shifts) worked over a three-week shift pattern. This will include a range of evening and day shifts:

• 4:30pm to 12:30am with the remainder of the shift being on call (1230am to 9am).
• 9am-5pm (Weekends and public holidays only)

During the core hours, the successful applicant will be based at Bankhead Central, Glenrothes. This post covers the whole of Fife and there will be an expectation to travel at any point during your working hours, including when on call overnight.

Fife Out of Hours Social Work Team currently provides social work cover for the whole of Fife and all disciplines of social work (Children and Families, Adults, Older People and statutory Mental Health Officer duties).

The team is staffed by two workers, a Co-ordinator (Senior Practitioner) and Social Worker.

The role involves assessing and prioritising risk to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate and timely response. Most assessments are carried out by telephone, with face‑to‑face visits arranged when deemed necessary. These visits are primarily undertaken by the Social Worker, with ongoing guidance and support provided by the Co‑ordinator. The post also includes elements of planned work alongside the reactive duties of the team.

The Person

You will be an experienced practitioner with a proven ability to work effectively across a range of social work settings. A strong grasp of relevant theory, policy, and legislation—spanning the full lifespan—is essential, along with the confidence to apply this knowledge within your assessments. You will be skilled in identifying, assessing, and prioritising risk, ensuring that your decisions are both accountable and well‑reasoned.

You should be able to demonstrate experience of working within a fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary environment and possess excellent professional communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to engage meaningfully with individuals and their families, and to recognise and respond to their needs, particularly during times of crisis, is crucial. Evidence of autonomous, confident decision‑making will be considered an advantage.

Other Information

Social Workers must be qualified with a BA (Hons)/MSc in Social Work prior to applying.

As this role requires SSSC registration, the successful applicant will have three months to apply for registration. If appointed, you must start your application as soon as possible, so you're registered within the required six months. If you need to achieve a qualification to maintain your SSSC membership, information will be provided if you are appointed. You must ensure you complete the qualification within the specified timeframe

Before confirming your appointment, you will be required to obtain PVG membership (children and adults). This will be actioned as part of any pre-employment check.

For Further Information Please Contact: Michael.hunter-hs@fife.gov.uk