Social Worker - REQ001995

Job title: Mental Health Unit / West Mental Health Social Work Team – Social Worker (PO1) / Newly Qualified (SO1)

Contract Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week
Location: Millfield House, Kirk Lane Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7LX / St Mary’s Hospital, Green Hill Road, Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 3QE

About Us:

We are a dedicated and compassionate social work team based within the West Community Mental Health Team. We are based over two office bases, Millfield House and St Mary’s Hospital. We are committed to providing a high-quality service to individuals with severe and enduring mental health needs, we work across Working Age Adults Mental Health Services and Older People’s Services. We work with people in the community and in hospital environments to support discharge from both mental health and physical health hospitals. Our team works collaboratively with health colleagues and other agencies to assess and support the people who use the service, their families, and carers in achieving their personal goals and improving their quality of life.

Job Description: We are seeking an empathetic Social Worker to join the West Community Mental Health Team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing a caseload, providing comprehensive social work services within a multi-agency setting, including having strength-based conversations, undertaking Care Act assessments and support planning. You must be able to understand and work effectively within legal frameworks, in particular the Human Rights Act, the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act. You will collaborate with individuals who use the service to develop personalised care and support plans. You will undertake safeguarding, risk assessment and risk management work. You will compile social circumstance reports for individuals and present them at First-Tier Mental Health Review Tribunals and Mental Health Manager’s Hearings. You will work closely with people who use the service, their carers and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and person-centered care. You will demonstrate and advocate anti-oppressive and anti-oppressive practice, with strong social work values. You will have a commitment to your ongoing professional development with a keen interest in pursuing post qualifying developmental opportunities such as the Approved Mental Health Professional, Best Interest Assessor and Practice Educator roles.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct thorough strength-based assessments of people with mental health needs using a person-centered approach, involving the person’s carers, families, networks and advocacy services where appropriate.
Develop and implement personalised care and support plans offering choice and control to people who use the service.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, community agencies, and support networks to ensure an integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to care.
Advocate for peoples' rights and access to necessary services.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and documentation.
Participate in team meetings and professional development activities.
Use a safeguarding framework to 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 an analysis of complex evidence.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work / Social Work qualification.
Registered with Social Work England.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience of working with people with mental health needs
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Commitment to continuous professional development.

What We Offer:

A supportive and collaborative work environment.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Flexible working arrangements.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with severe and enduring mental health needs and meet the qualifications listed above, we would love to hear from you. For an informal conversation or further information please call Laura Sutton on 07891271379 or send an email to laura.sutton@leeds.gov.uk.

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

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

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, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. 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. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description - PO1

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of a Team Manager, and with support from Senior Social Workers, provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to 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 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 Social Work England Professional Standards

Core Responsibilities:

To carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.

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 are likely to experience significant harm.

Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on an analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.

Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required.

Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits 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 an 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.

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.

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.

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.

Job Overview:

To undertake cases, demonstrating an ability to adapt the approach from first principles to deal with more complex or unusual cases, assessing and managing risks appropriately. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; 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, and supervise students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Undertake 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.

Under clear supervision, contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.

Work with adults, 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 order.

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.

Manage an allocated caseload of service users, regularly monitor, review and evaluate changes in service user needs and ensure that all services contribute effectively to the support plan and remain an effective use of resources.

Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings.

Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. This may include elements of co-working more challenging/complex casework alongside more experienced workers.

Carry out the Practice Educator Level 1 role.

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 Mental Capacity Act Assessments as set out in statute, document and evidence assessments as required within statutorily defined time frames and make recommendations for 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.

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

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers - Transitions Team:

To demonstrate an ability to understand how to prepare a young person for adulthood, utilising a creative approach to maximise their independence skills.

To be able to form relationships with young people and their families, to manage change and work alongside other professionals.

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers – Mental Health:

Work with people aged 18+ with Mental Health issues.

Specific Responsibilities for 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.

Qualifications:

Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent). Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration. The post holder should have achieved or commenced the Practice Educator Level 1 qualification after 2 years post qualification but within an agreed timescale of starting in this post.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: This post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

In discharging its function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the Directorate is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975 ) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.

Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

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 users.
Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers and colleagues.
Able to engage individuals, families, carers and workers from other agencies.
Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
Ability to devise and implement service and support plans.
Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
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 make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.
Ability to develop safeguarding investigative skills.
Ability to chair routine or less complex meetings.

Knowledge required:

Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc ,BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
Registration with Social Work England
Knowledge of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Knowledge off relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on service users and families e.g. drugs, alcohol domestic violence.
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.
Report Writing and Communications Skills.
Completion of NQSW programme or the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Approved Mental Health Professional or willing to undertake appropriate training if required on completion of 2 years post qualification experience.
Best Interest Assessor Qualified on completion of 2 years post qualification experience if required.

Experience required:

Of implementing a person centred/child focused approach.
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
Of advocacy and user involvement.
Of using initiative and a commitment to developing services.
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.
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
Of using supervision effectively.
Minimum of 12 months post qualification experience of working in a statutory setting.
Experience of devising, implementing and reviewing support plans.

Behavioural & Other Related 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 Social Work England 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.

Knowledge required:

Of working with a wide range of user groups.

Job Description - SO1

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of a Team Manager and with support and mentoring from more senior Social Workers, provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to adults, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines

Core Responsibilities:

To carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.

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.

Working within the 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 an analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.

Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required.

Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits 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 an 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.

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.

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 Professional Capabilities Framework.

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.

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.

Job Overview: Responsible for an allocated caseload under supervision, including assessment and appropriate management of risks. Make proactive use of supervision to reflect critically on practice, explore different approaches to your work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability. Consolidate, develop and demonstrate comprehensive understanding and application, of the theories and methods of social work practice including awareness of current issues and new evidence based practice research.

Responsibilities:

Undertake assessments including safeguarding investigations deemed suitable for allocation to a newly qualified worker. In undertaking assessments, wherever possible, consider Self Directed Support options.

Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families and carers: provide advice and support: help resolve conflict, where appropriate under clear supervision.

Under clear supervision, contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already

in receipt of services.

With supervision, work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed decisions enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.

Manage an allocated caseload of service users and, with supervision, regularly monitor, review and evaluate changes in service user needs and ensure that all services contribute effectively to the support plan and remain an effective use of resources.

Together with an appropriately experienced worker, work to a range of legal options to support investigation and protection.

Assist in the development of protection plans and commission a range of services designed to minimise risks and improve the quality of life for service users and their carers.

Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers - Transitions Team

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

Progression

On successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment programme, the newly qualified Social Worker will progress onto the Social Worker role and job description.

Equality & Diversity: Within the Council this is about making sure that everyone can fully join in the social, cultural, political and economic life of the city. The City Council is committed to its value of Treating People Fairly; this includes our staff and the people of Leeds. We will make sure that we do not discriminate against people because of their age, impairment, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief, social class, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and marital status, responsibility for dependants, trade union activity or for any other unfair reason.

Health & Safety: The Council believes that ensuring the safety, health and well-being of employees, contractors, service users (including learners) and all others affected by our activities is essential to accomplishing our ambition and values. As a large employer we are committed to being an exemplar for good practice and contributing to the wider health agenda by ensuring that work doesn’t contribute to poor health, using the workplace to improve health and well-being, and supporting our workforce to be “Happy, Healthy and Here”. We expect all employees to contribute to their own individual safety and well being and to that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent). Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS This post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

In discharging its function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the Directorate is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.

Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

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.

Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.

Skills required

Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.
Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers and colleagues.
Able to engage individuals, families, carers and workers from other agencies.
Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
Ability to devise and implement service and support plans.
Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
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 make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.

Knowledge required

Appropriate social work professional qualification (BA or MA in Social Work).
Registration with Social Work England
Knowledge of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Of relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on service users and families eg drugs, alcohol or domestic violence.
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.
Report writing and Communications Skills

Experience required

Of implementing a person centred focused approach.
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
Of advocacy and user involvement.
Of using initiative and a commitment to developing services
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
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
Of using supervision effectively.

Behavioural & Other Related 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 Social Work England 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.

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