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Location: Sutton
Contract: Initial 3-month assignment
Hours: 36 hours per week
Rate: 23 per hour (umbrella) (18 PAYE an hour)
About the Role Sutton Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Enabling Independence Officer to join Adult Social Care. This role is ideal for individuals with Social Work Assistant and/or Occupational Therapy Assistant skills who are passionate about supporting vulnerable and disabled adults to maximise their independence and wellbeing.
Working within the People Directorate, you will support the delivery of high-quality, person-centred assessments, recommendations, support planning and reviews. You will work collaboratively with health services, housing, voluntary organisations and internal council teams to ensure outcomes are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with statutory requirements.
This is a varied, rewarding role that requires strong assessment capability, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out trusted assessments for vulnerable and disabled adults living in the community.
- Identify urgent cases and escalate appropriately to safeguard individuals at risk.
- Complete support plans, reviews and casework where needs do not require direct involvement of a qualified Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
- Provide practical assistance, recommendations, and guidance on equipment, reablement techniques, assistive technology, daily living solutions and minor adaptations.
- Undertake risk assessments and enable safe, independence-focused solutions.
- Make recommendations for housing adaptations or rehousing where appropriate.
- Work jointly with health professionals, housing teams, voluntary sector partners and other agencies to deliver integrated assessments.
- Maintain accurate case records, reports and documentation within statutory and Council timescales.
- Contribute to service improvement, performance targets and development of high-quality, cost-effective adult social care services.
- Ensure all safeguarding concerns are appropriately reported and acted upon.
- Keep up to date with legislation, policy and best practice in adult social care.
- NVQ Level 3 or relevant experience working with vulnerable adults, carers or families.
- Experience in a Social Work Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Rehabilitation Assistant or similar enabling role.
- Knowledge of disability, community care legislation and assessment frameworks.
- Understanding of equipment, adaptations, manual handling techniques and reablement approaches.
- Experience supporting individuals with a wide range of physical, mental, or sensory needs.
- Strong ICT skills and confidence using case management systems.
- Ability to work independently with a complex and varied caseload.
- Experience applying safeguarding principles and managing risk.
- Understanding of budgeting and financial processes in relation to equipment and support planning.
- Strong customer-focused approach with a commitment to delivering high-quality public services.
- Professional, proactive and solution-focused attitude.
- Confident working with partner agencies and representing the Council positively.
- Flexible, adaptable and able to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
- Team player who shares knowledge, supports colleagues and contributes to service development.
- Must adhere to all Council policies, including Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity.
- Willingness to undertake continuous professional development.
- Enhanced or Standard DBS may be required (depending on service area).
