Job Description

Proposed Interview Date: Week Commencing 6 July 2026

Closing Date: Tuesday 30 June 2026

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: FC9 £47,604.34 - £57,196.54

Working Pattern: 36 hours per week (2 posts available)

Location: Bankhead Central, Glenrothes, with the requirement to travel across Fife

Supporting Statement

As part of your application, you must provide us with a Supporting Statement which outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our Career Site. Without a Supporting Statement, your application will not be progressed. Please upload your Supporting Statement at the section marked ‘upload resumé’. Your Supporting Statement must not be a CV. More information is available on our Career site at www.fife.gov.uk/jobs/supportingstatement

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Social Work professional to join our Emergency Out of Hours Social Work Service as a Co‑ordinator (Senior Practitioner).

As the Co-ordinator/Senior Practitioner on shift, you will take a lead role in overseeing service delivery, supporting staff, and ensuring that individuals at risk receive a timely and appropriate response.

You will work as part of a team alongside Social Workers and Social Work Assistants, providing leadership and professional guidance while maintaining oversight of all activity during your shift.

In this role, you will:

• Take responsibility for the overall coordination of the shift, ensuring effective decision-making and safe practice.
• Provide direction, advice and support to Social Workers and Assistants.
• Assess incoming information and determine appropriate responses to risk.
• Arrange and oversee urgent assessments and interventions.
• If you hold an Mental Health Officer Award, act as the designated Mental Health Officer (MHO) during operational hours.
• Support staff attending emergency situations, including attending where required.
• Promote effective multi-agency working with Police, Health and other partners.
• Maintain oversight of recording and ensure accurate and timely documentation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and quality of the service.
• Contribute to the learning of relief social work staff, acting as a mentor and offering supervision where required.

You will be part of a rolling-rota covering:

• Evenings and weekends.
• Overnight on-call / standby arrangements.
• Public holidays.

The current rota pattern includes a small portion of the contracted hours being worked during the standard working week. Whilst this currently includes supporting the Children and Families Social Work Contact Centre, this element of the role can be discussed further with the successful candidate.

The role requires flexibility and the ability to travel across Fife, including overnight.

The Person

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• A Degree / Diploma in Social Work or equivalent.
• Whilst Mental Health Officer (MHO) accreditation and experience would be advantageous, significant post-qualifying experience within statutory social work and another post-graduate award (Practice Teaching/Education, Child Protection, Adult Support and Protection) will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of Child and Adult Protection processes and relevant legislation.
• Ability to lead practice, assess risk and make complex decisions under pressure.
• Experience of supporting and guiding others within a professional setting.
• Strong communication skills, including advising, influencing and working collaboratively.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands and maintain oversight in high-pressure environments.
• Experience of effective multi-agency working.
• Competence in IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to travel throughout Fife.

If you are an experienced Social Work professional with the skills and confidence to lead practice and support others in a dynamic out of hours environment, we would welcome your application.

Working for Fife Council offers:

• A key leadership role within a specialist social work service.
• Access to continuous professional development and training.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits and discounts.
• The opportunity to lead practice and decision-making in critical situations.

Before confirming to your appointment, you will be required to obtain Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership through Disclosure Scotland and become a member of the relevant PVG scheme.

As this role requires SSSC registration, you 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.

More details are included in the role profile.

Further Information

• Role Profile - When preparing your supporting statement, review the role profile and think about how you meet the essential criteria Role Profile
• How We Work Matters - Our employees are expected to display and promote certain behaviours in the workplace. See our How We Work Matters behaviour framework for more information.
• Employee Benefits - Employees have access to a benefits package that offers discounts on a wide range of products and services.
• Directorate Information - Council Department information
• Social Media - Search for more 'Fife Council Jobs' on Facebook or follow us on X @FCJobsOfficial.
• Alternative Formats - Job information can be made available in alternative formats, to make a request please e-mail transactions.recruitment@fife.gov.uk

For further information please contact: Michael Hunter, Out of Hours Team Manager - michael.hunter-hs@fife.gov.uk