Social Work PractitionerNHS

Job summary

Due to an internal promotion we have an opportunity for a Social Worker to join our adult teams. Your role will be to hold a varied case load from a range of different client groups, aged 14+, with a range of differing needs i.e. Mental Health, Physical Disabilities, Learning Disabilities and Safeguarding. You will carry out assessments under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005, utilising creativity to enable the individual to be supported in their own home or other settings.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a person with enthusiasm and passion for social work. In return we can offer you the opportunity to genuinely make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Job description

To provide, in partnership with individuals, their carers and other key professionals, a high quality, person centred, accountable social care service which ensures best outcomes for people.

To actively and effectively manage a caseload which will include prioritising and co-ordinating own workload; reviewing and monitoring individual needs, care plans and care packages; decision making; managing risk and effective recording.

At all times to be mindful of the Mental Capacity Act and to be alert to situations where vulnerable adults may be at risk and to act in accordance with the Adults Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.

To facilitate proportionate holistic assessments (including where appropriate self-assessments) working collaboratively with the individual, their carer/family and other professionals in order to identify levels of need and outcomes required which will inform the appropriate level of associated resources to help the person optimise their independence and meet their support needs.

To consider the needs of carers in all assessment activity and to undertake Carer Assessments as requested and/or required.

To work within appropriate timeframes to meet immediate needs and reduce risks in crisis situations and at all times ensure appropriate and proportionate responses or referrals are provided in accordance with legislation, guidance and policies.

Provide support in self directing the personalised care and support to meet the assessed needs and agreed outcomes

Proactively promote peoples well-being by enabling them to prevent, postpone or reduce the need for care and support by providing information, advice and signposting which promotes access to universal/preventative services, community and other natural support resources; maximising their assets using benefits and other funding sources, (e.g. Continuing Health Care Funding) to ensure independence, choice and control.

To work in partnership with other professionals, supporting service users, carers and families to develop person centred support plans incorporating an individuals circle of support, positive risk taking, solution finding where possible through universal services.

Proactively manage, with a level of autonomy, unresolved support / unmet need and service issues and make recommendations for resolution in situations where: needs cannot be delivered by the personal budget allocation; where there is a lack of suitable services; the apparent failure of providers to meet national or locally determined quality or performance standards. This may include preparing and presenting evidential report(s) to the Individual, Commissioning, Approval and Advice Panel.

Social Work Practitioners (Disability) will manage a caseload of people with multiple, complex and profound disabilities and will assess and plan transitions from Childrens Services into Adults working with a range of appropriate partners and providers and providing support to the young people through the transition process.

Identify, investigate and manage potential high risk situations where service users/carers safety or liberty may be at risk, making the necessary referrals as appropriate so as to enable them to take risks whilst protecting them from abuse, managing the risks to staff and the organisation; this may include undertaking assessments under the Mental Capacity Act.

To assist with investigations into allegations of abuse, contribute to strategy meetings and liaise with other professionals.

To maintain case records ensuring that all data meets the required levels of accuracy, quality, confidentiality and timeliness.

To prepare reports for panels, case conferences & court and to attend as required and appropriate.

To work on a duty rota, responding to emergency assessments or other situations which may occur.

Act as mentor to less experienced staff / students, providing them with support and guidance in terms of professional practice and organisational policies and procedures

To have an awareness of the performance targets, both national and local and to ensure all activity is aligned with meeting those targets.

To work to Social Work Standards set out by Social Work England.

To be an ambassador for focus at all times, representing the organisation positively, professionally and appropriately at meetings with service users, carers, families, other professionals and agencies.

About us

Focus is an independent Social Enterprise (Community Interest Company) providing Adult Social Work across North East Lincolnshire. We believe that being an independent social work practice provides us with unique opportunities to be more flexible and creative in our approach. This benefits our service users, their families and carers and our staff.