Senior Social Worker (S117 Team) - REQ001967

Job title: Senior Social Worker S117 Team.

Salary: PO3 £41,511 - £44,711

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Tribeca House

INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

As a Senior S117 Social Worker you’ll thrive on working within the Section 117 team, with an emphasis on value for money work. You will be keenly motivated to work across Local Authority and Health partner organisations establishing effective working relationships and contributing towards cost saving for the Council and Leeds ICB.

It’s not just about the ability to perform financial calculations and cost analysis, but also, it’s about the bigger picture of spending money wisely, creative problem solving, matching resources to actual need and thinking about the least restrictive options.

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 S117, you will bring to the role:

An ability to work collaboratively with a range of professionals and stakeholders.
The ability to network across Social Care and Health.
The ability and confidence to successfully challenge other organisations to achieve lawful practice and implementation of S117 aftercare including Ordinary Residence disputes.
An ability to contribute to the effective running of S117 panel.
An ability to analyse costings so that successful challenges can be brough as needed.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to join the S117 / CHC Team.

We are based within the Mental Health Unit (MHU) which provides statutory social work services across the city to adults over 18 accessing secondary mental health services.

As the Senior S117 Social Worker you will be involved in shaping how we adapt to best support the work of the S117 Team with high-cost placement reviews and also to shape how we interface with area and hospital teams to provide advice and guidance with S117 panel request and high-cost placements.

The Mental Health Unit upholds the values of Leeds City Council to work alongside individuals in a way which is person-centred and values uniqueness, potential and strengths. You will be committed to promoting the welfare of working age adults and older people, upholding Leeds City Council values of being open honest and trusted, treating people fairly, working as a team and working for communities.

The S117 Senior Social Worker will be expected to work alongside the Mental Health Placement Reviewing Nurse and will have a keen interest in the holistic assessments with regards to MH placement options predominantly those funding packages presented to S117 Panel. You will be expected to support colleagues to establish the correct level of intervention thus promoting greater independence towards a least restrictive care outcome.

You will support with S117 Panel Requests, have expert knowledge and a key focus on a range of supported living providers, nursing homes and transition services. You will need to focus on high-cost packages and nursing care placements where you will be able to challenge the costings if they are unreasonable. You will also develop an expert knowledge of resources to help inform practice including transition packages which are initially commissioned by children’s services and there is a possibility to step downs to other more VFM services.

You will attend weekly the Mount Hospital Operational Discharge Group meetings liaising closely with LYPFT.

You will support with Mental Health Budget Action Plans.

AMHP qualification is desirable, if you do not have this, we will promote AMHP training.

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.

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 Michelle Wood S117 / CHC Team Manager. Tel 0113 3780665 or email michelle.a.wood@leeds.gov.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. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, 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, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying.â€¯To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose: Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service adults, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines

The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.

This is an experienced Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support and guidance to other team members

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds.

Core Responsibilities:

To carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users 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, other team members and/or volunteers.

Manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from Team Managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and their carers. Very highly complex cases may be co-worked within the line management framework

On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures.

Responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.

To monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in accordance with directorate procedures

To use a Safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or 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 directorate 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.

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.

To work to and within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework

To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.

To 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

To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity

To 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 student placements.

Work in a cross section of social work teams, through secondments etc. to continually develop and consolidate knowledge base and level of skills and enabling the assignment of more complex caseloads 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 actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.

Chair multi agency meetings, determine plans and make recommendations to the Team Manager and contribute to the development of capacity within the community

To supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.

JOB OVERVIEW

To be responsible for a complex caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding adults, carers and community. 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 students and develop the practice learning setting. Give guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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
Construct value for money care packages; 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 other team members.
To undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students.
Participate in office duty on a rota basis, responding to new referrals, assessing urgency of requests and with advice and support, if appropriate, implementing actions to meet immediate needs.
With appropriate supervision and guidance and following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience undertake Best Interest Assessments as set out in statute, document and evidence assessments as required within statutorily defined time frames. Where required identify and nominate a Representative for the individual and make recommendations for any proposed authorisation
Where required, following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience to undertake social work duties with regard to the Mental Health Act 2007, including assessment and admissions, where authorised for this duty.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers - Transitions Team

To contribute to the common assessment framework and future needs planning for young people aged 14+

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers – Mental Health

Work with people aged 18+ with Mental Health issues

Participate in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) rota.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers – Emergency Duty Team

To provide an out of hours city-wide high quality emergency social work service for all client groups in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices within Adult Social Care and Children’s services and within statutory guidelines.

To undertake assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983 and provide responses in relation to children where they are referred as in need of protection.

To fully participate in the EDT Duty Rota.

Working within safeguarding procedures, to make enquiries and manage risks where children have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.

To provide crisis responses to carers who are in need of an urgent provision to alleviate a situation.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers – Physical Impairment

Manage a specific caseload of disabled adults who have multifaceted and complex needs where specialist knowledge is required e.g. Effect of medical condition, available resources etc
Offer advice, information and support to colleagues in dealing with disabled adults who have multifaceted and complex needs.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker – Traumatic Brain Injury

Manage a specific caseload of complex brain injury cases and support colleagues who work with people with brain injury.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker – Area Mental Health

To provide a care management and social work service for adults (aged 18+) with mental health and other complex social care needs.
To provide advice, consultation, and professional advice to those trained to undertake Adult Safeguarding, Approved Mental Health Professional, Best Interests Assessor and Mental Capacity Act duties and/or assessments.
To offer supervision, advice, and guidance to others within the Area Office including OT’s, Social Workers (Care Managers), and unqualified staff in ensuring the delivery of a safe and outcome-oriented service to those with mental and physical health needs. This will include work with individuals with complex and challenging needs who may represent a risk to themselves and/or others.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Worker – Crisis Assessment Service

To take a lead role in screening and assessment, and provision of crisis management for people referred to the service who are in crisis.
Provide a service, which is in line with the team operational policy i.e. client focused, accessible and responsive on a 24 hour basis.
Maintain and develop expertise in the acute care of people with a serious mental health problems, including the management of people at significant risk of suicide.
To carry out Mental Health Act Assessments, particularly people detained on Section 136.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker S117 Team.

To take a lead role or support the lead assessor with high cost care packages, with a focus on Value for Money.
Attend hospital discharge planning meetings, including working age and older adults psychiatric wards.
Achieve close partnership wiotjing with LCC commissioning services, and Leeds ICB supporting with the development of local mental health provision to enable step down from hospital.
Develop an expert knowledge of Ordinary Residence s117 aftercare MHA (1983) including the ability to challenge other Local Authorities or ICB’s if funding responsibility changes.
Support the Local Authority to keep clear and accurate records for the purpose of Mental Health Budget Action Plans.

Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) 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.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

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.

Knowledge Required

Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

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.

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.

Undertake Approved Mental Health Practitioner training if required.

Best Interest Assessor Training if required.

Experience Required

Significant experience of working in a statutory setting.
Experience of working in a multi agency setting.
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
Of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused 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 a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure.
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Committed to continuous improvement.
Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development.
Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable 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.

Of Mental Health legislation.

Of sophisticated financial calculations.

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