SWRK - G2 Social Work Assistant

ACTUAL CLOSING DATE:
Applications must be received by 25 October 2026 at 11:55pm.

Location:

Pollock Avenue Call Centre, Hamilton

Hours:

35hrs per week, permanent

Work Pattern: please see below

Salary / Hourly Rate: £23.14 - £23.65 per hour, £42,228 - £43,158

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Social Work Assistant position to join Emergency Social Work Services (ESWS).

South Lanarkshire Council’s ESWS has operated since 31 March 2009 and delivers essential out of hours support 365 days a year. The service provides responsive, timely and consistent interventions to individuals and families across South Lanarkshire who require urgent social work assistance.

Social Work Assistants will work within a three-week shift rota, including weekends and public holidays. You will contribute to the delivery of high-quality social work support during the out of hours period, assisting the Team Leader and Operations Manager to respond to varying levels of referrals and crisis situations. This role plays an important part in maintaining strong communication and continuity between ESWS and daytime locality Social Work teams.

• Assisting qualified Social Workers with gathering information, completing initial assessments, and supporting decision making during urgent referrals.
• Providing practical support and intervention to individuals, families, and vulnerable groups to promote their immediate safety and wellbeing.
• Contributing to partnership working with key agencies including Police Scotland, Health services, and other relevant partners.
• Supporting clear communication and accurate information sharing between ESWS and daytime Social Work teams.
• Maintaining high quality case notes and ensuring all actions are recorded in line with service procedures.
• Prioritising workload effectively in a fast paced environment and supporting colleagues during periods of high service demand.
• This role requires a compassionate, calm and organised approach, with the ability to respond appropriately to a wide range of situations.

• Have a minimum of two years’ experience working within a social care or social work setting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities with dignity and respect.
• Have experience working collaboratively as part of a team, ideally within a care, support or public protection environment.
• Be able to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Show flexibility, resilience and a willingness to work within a shift pattern that includes evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

View the Social Work Assistant job profile.

• Monday – 16:30-01:45
• Tuesday – 16:30-01:45
• Saturday – 07:30-17:00
• Sunday – 07:30-17:00

• Monday – 08:00 – 16:45 (Public Holidays – 07:30-17:00)
• Wednesday – 16:30-01:45
• Thursday – 16:30-01:45
• Friday – 16:00-01:45
• Saturday – 16:45-01:45
• Sunday – 16:45-01:45

• Monday – 16:30-01:45
• Tuesday – 16:30-01:45
• Saturday – 07:30-17:00
• Sunday – 07:30-17:00

Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.

Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.

Applications to this post are particularly encouraged from male applicants.

This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders…