What is an emergency duty social worker?
- An emergency duty social worker is on duty at all times out of hours. This is necessary to meet urgent needs that cannot wait until the next working day.
When you call, an operator will pass the details to the duty social worker. They will return your call as soon as possible and always within an hour.
The social worker may give you advice and guidance on how to deal with the problem. They may refer the matter to the specialist service the next working day. They may arrange immediate help from social care or other agencies, if needed.
They work closely with other agencies. These include the out of hours services of Harrow Mental Health Services. They are part of CNWL NHS Foundation Trust.
Duty social workers deal with:
- Urgent difficulties with children and young people.
- Child protection matters.
- Older people who are at risk or who need immediate help.
- Concerns about a person with a disability.
- Urgent help for someone with learning difficulties. Including mental health issues.
- Mental Health Act assessments.
- Vulnerable people in police custody.
- Homelessness.