Lead Practitioner – Adult Social Care & Health – AR

Job Title

Lead Practitioner – Adult Social Care & Health (Front Door)

Adult Social Care & Health

Team Manager

The Lead Practitioner is a senior social work role responsible for leading practice at the Front Door of Adult Social Care. The postholder will oversee the screening, triage, and allocation of incoming referrals, ensuring timely, proportionate, and legally compliant responses. The role provides practice leadership, quality assurance, and supervision to junior staff while working under the direction of Team Managers.

• Act as a senior decision-maker at the Front Door for Adult Social Care.
• Screen and triage incoming referrals received via email and telephone.
• Assess eligibility, risk, urgency, and safeguarding concerns in line with legislation and local thresholds.
• Make informed decisions on outcomes, including progression to assessment, safeguarding, signposting, or no further action.

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Ensure high-risk and complex cases are escalated in line with procedures.
• Apply the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding frameworks consistently.

• Provide clear guidance and direction to social workers and support staff.
• Support staff with complex decision-making and case discussions.
• Act as a point of professional advice for front door practice.

• Quality assure work completed by junior staff, including referral decisions, risk assessments, and case records.
• Ensure practice meets statutory requirements, professional standards, and organisational policies.
• Identify learning needs and support improvement in practice quality. Supervision & Support
  • Provide regular, reflective case supervision to allocated staff.
  • Promote best practice, professional development, and safe decision-making.
  • Support staff wellbeing in a fast-paced and high-demand environment.
  Partnership Working
  • Liaise effectively with partner agencies including health, hospitals, police, housing, and voluntary organisations.
  • Provide professional advice to external referrers where appropriate.
  Governance & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate and timely records in line with data protection and recording standards.
  • Work under the direction of Team Managers and contribute to service priorities.
  Knowledge, Skills & Experience Essential
  • Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
  • Significant post-qualifying experience in Adult Social Care.
  • Strong knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding legislation.
  • Experience of screening, triage, or duty/front door work.
  • Ability to make confident, defensible decisions under pressure.
  • Experience of supporting, supervising, or mentoring other practitioners.
  Desirable
  • Experience in a Lead, Senior, or Advanced Practitioner role.
  • Experience of quality assurance or auditing practice.
  • Experience working in a high-volume front door or duty service.
  Personal Attributes
  • Calm, resilient, and organised in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong professional judgement and leadership skills.
  • Confident communicator with staff and partner agencies.
  • Committed to high-quality, person-centred practice.
  Working Relationships
  • Team Managers
  • Social Workers and Support Staff
  • Health and partner agencies
  • Members of the public and professionals making referrals