3 Month Contract With A Local Authority Job Purpose To work as part of a multi-disciplinary mental health team alongside colleagues employed by the NHS and partner agencies, delivering high-quality, strength-based social work interventions to adults with mental health disorders and/or dementia. The role involves safeguarding, assessment, care planning, legal responsibilities, and promoting independence and wellbeing in line with statutory duties and Council policies. Key Responsibilities Manage a caseload of service users diagnosed with mental disorders and/or dementia. Undertake carers’ and service users’ assessments, reviews, and support plans (combined or separate) in accordance with the Care Act. Conduct mental health and dementia needs assessments within a multi-disciplinary framework. Identify and assess mental capacity, undertake MCA and Best Interest reports, and ensure legal processes are followed in respect of Court of Protection applications. Support service users and carers in completing self-assessments and accessing direct payments. Participate in duty rotas, screen referrals, and undertake urgent/emergency assessments and visits as required. Contribute to Dialog care planning within the NHS framework. Promote and safeguard the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Work within a “Think Family” approach, supporting families as a network. Make referrals to Children’s Social Care where children in need or child protection concerns are identified. Prepare written and verbal reports for case conferences, reviews, and safeguarding meetings. Provide evidence at Mental Health Tribunals and Managers’ Hearings as required. Deliver direct social care interventions to meet mental health and dementia needs. Apply a strength-based approach in all assessments and interventions. Support access to services from statutory, voluntary, and informal networks. Ensure commissioned care packages are value for money, high quality, and regularly reviewed. Liaise closely with legal and housing services to support complex and vulnerable service users. Advise on welfare rights and refer to the Maximising Income Team where appropriate. Work collaboratively with NHS professionals and other agencies. Maintain coordination links with neighbourhoods, local communities, and non-statutory organisations. Attend meetings, case reviews, conferences, training sessions, and working groups. Assist in the development and facilitation of projects and group work initiatives. Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality electronic case records. Ensure compliance with Care Act recording standards and Council policies. Use IT systems effectively to support efficient service delivery. Provide reports and documentation as required. Achieve agreed service outcomes and personal development objectives. Engage constructively in supervision, training, seminars, and professional development activities. Work in accordance with legal frameworks, national guidance, and Council policies. Uphold Council CARE values and Adult Social Care principles. Comply with Data Protection legislation (including GDPR). Adhere to Health and Safety policies and the Council’s Dignity for All (Equal Opportunities) Policy. Undertake additional duties appropriate to the post as directed by management. Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work across the borough as part of a “One Service” approach. Requirements Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work (BA / MA Social Work). Registered with Social Work England. Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification (or willingness to train, if applicable). Evidence of continued professional development. Sound knowledge of: Care Act 2014 Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Best Interest processes Court of Protection procedures Safeguarding Adults and Children legislation Data Protection Act and GDPR Understanding of strength-based and recovery-focused practice. Knowledge of welfare benefits and community resources. Awareness of NHS structures and multi-disciplinary working within mental health services. Experience of managing a complex caseload in adult social care or mental health. Experience undertaking Care Act assessments, reviews, and support planning. Experience working with adults with mental health disorders and/or dementia. Experience of safeguarding investigations and risk assessments. Experience preparing professional reports for panels, tribunals, or court proceedings. Experience of multi-agency and partnership working. Additional Information Bi-Weekly Payments 35 Working Hours Per Week SW registration required