Senior Social Worker - REQ000347

Job title: Senior Social Worker – Multi Agency Team

Salary: PO3 - £40,221 - £43,421

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent post - secondment opportunity

Location: Based within the West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation and Abuse Team (WYFEAT) at West Yorkshire Trading Standards, Gildersome, Morley, Leeds LS27 7JQ

WYFEAT is a multi-agency task force tackling financial abuse of vulnerable adults, including scams, frauds, doorstep crime and financial abuse by family, friends, carers and others. A high profile, front-line unit, the team consists of criminal investigators, trading standards officers, police officers, financial investigators, and social workers.

If you are passionate about safeguarding vulnerable adults, want to support victims of financial exploitation and abuse and are keen to play a leading role in our multi-agency response, we’d like to hear from you. We work closely with all partners to deliver truly holistic services to our citizens and you would be based within WYFEAT at Trading Standards as part of that multi-disciplinary team. You will be expected to travel around West Yorkshire, attending visits and meetings etc. Hybrid working is offered with this role, with minimal office attendance required.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Social Worker, you will bring to the role:

Extensive experience of working with vulnerable adults within the adult social care environment
Experience of assessing the needs and requirements of vulnerable adults and older people who are victims or potential victims of scams, frauds, doorstep crime and other financial abuse, including those who have reduced mental capacity
Experience of supporting vulnerable adults so that they will be maintained in a safe environment, recognising signs of harm, abuse or neglect and responding to them appropriately to improve safeguarding
Experience of managing and engaging in complex and challenging workloads including multiple risk factors and multi-agency input

About the role

WYFEAT works on behalf of the 5 West Yorkshire local authorities, investigating allegations of financial exploitation and abuse involving vulnerable residents. Your role as Senior Social Worker on the team will be to work alongside investigators to ensure the effective safeguarding of victims and potential victims, raising awareness of our work with colleagues across the 5 West Yorkshire districts and providing invaluable support to safeguarding partners.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Sibi Hanif, Service Delivery Manager, at sibi.hanif@leeds.gov.uk, or Helen Robinson, Safeguarding & Investigations Manager at WYFEAT on helen.robinson@wyjs.org.uk.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Adults’ barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To be responsible for the urgent, assessment of needs and management of risk regarding adults, carers and community in relation to referrals to WYFEAT from across the 5 West Yorkshire authorities. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings. Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users. Supervise trainee AMHPs and develop the practice learning setting. Give guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.

Responsibilities

Working as part of the West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation and Abuse Team
Undertake assessment of service user and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures
Provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.
Supervise students and offer support to trainees and other team members.
On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement emergency support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures.
Analyse information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
Use a Safeguarding framework to log, investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.
Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the 5 West Yorkshire Councils and the wider Yorkshire and Humber network and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
Be responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi agency meetings in line with procedures.
Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
Work to and within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework
Participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
Comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures
Actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity
Undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.
Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
Provide professional advice and support to colleagues, including newly qualified Social Workers.
Supervise, support and provide development for trainee AMHPs.
Work in a cross section of social work teams, through secondments etc. to continually develop and consolidate knowledge base and level of skills to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals, their families and carers.
Under the direction of the Team Manager, undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or action plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
Make recommendations to the Team Manager and contribute to the development of capacity within the community
Undertake a range of complex Community Care assessments. Investigate complaints of alleged neglect and/or abuse of adults. Undertake safeguarding investigations in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures.
Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families and carers: provide advice and support: promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.
Contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
Work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders
Commission a range of services for individuals, groups and communities designed to minimise risk and improve quality of life for service users and their carers.
Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.
Carry out specific pieces of work on cases that are allocated to workers in other teams.
Undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of trainee AMHPs.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Worker – WEST YORKSHIRE FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE TEAM (WYFEAT)

Extensive experience of working with vulnerable adults within the adult social care environment
Ability to assess the needs and requirements of vulnerable adults and older people who are victims or potential victims of scams, frauds and doorstep crime and other financial abuse, including those with who have reduced mental capacity, dementia and adults with physical and sensory disability.
Ability to support vulnerable adults so that they will be maintained in a safe environment, recognising signs of harm, abuse or neglect and responding to them appropriately to improve safeguarding
Experience of managing and engaging in complex and challenging workloads including multiple risk factors and multi-agency input, having regard to all safeguarding issues and ensuring they are raised appropriately

Qualifications

Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with Social Work England (SWE) upon commencement of the post and maintain registration. Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment, and to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed time period. For Adult EDT, an AMHP qualification is required.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Skills required

Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.
Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers and colleagues.
Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.
Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
To innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
Ability to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans.
Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
Ability to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary.
Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative.
Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
Ability to chair multi agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional. capacity
Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff.
Able to lead and motivate staff.
For Adult EDT, an ability to work alone without supervision and to make independent decisions.
Knowledge required
Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
Approved Mental Health Professional qualification.
Registration with Social Work England (SWE).
To undertake Practice Educator Level 2 on appointment.
Recent relevant professional development.
Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
Awareness of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi agency environment.

Experience required

Minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in a statutory setting.
Minimum of 1 year practising as an AMHP.
Experience of working in a multi agency setting.
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
Of working within and implementing a person centred approach.
Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non qualified staff.
Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
Managing high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure.
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Registration with Social Work England (SWE) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Skills required

Possession of a full current driving licence.

Knowledge required

Consolidation of learning for specialist practice.
Of the range of services available to users, families and carers.

Experience required

Of working and reporting within a court environment.
Of working with a wide range of user groups.

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

None

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