Job title: Social Worker PO1 (or Senior Social Worker PO3)
Salary: PO1 £38,220- £40,777; PO3 £42,839- £46,142 (+ 4 increment for AMHP)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Becklin Centre
As a Social Worker/Senior Social Worker you’ll play a prominent role in maintaining efficient patient flow and preventing unnecessary delays in discharge pathways. You will support the identification of barriers to discharge in both LYPFT and out of area acute and PICU placements and work in close collaboration with the clinical team, service users, families and key stakeholders to address them.
About You
Social worker (PO1)
* Minimum of 12 months post qualification experience of working in a statutory setting.
* Worked with people aged 18+ with mental health issues.
* Carried a caseload and undertook assessment of service users and carer needs using a person‑centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
* Supported the multi‑agency team by advocating the social perspective.
* Advised colleagues within the MDT on relevant legal frameworks, social work processes and funding pathways.
* Worked collaboratively with system partners to identify and help expedite barriers to discharge.
* Further experience and skills required are detailed in the PO1 Social worker job description.
Senior Social worker (PO3)
* Participated in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) rota.
* Significant experience of working in a statutory setting.
* Worked with people aged 18+ with mental health issues.
* Managed and monitored a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices, with professional guidance from Team Managers.
* PE1 or PE2 qualified, with experience supporting, supervising, and educating students.
* Willingness to work towards PE2 if only PE1.
* Led on complex practice issues and provided advanced professional guidance within the MDT.
* Applied in‑depth knowledge of legal frameworks and social work processes to manage high‑risk, complex cases and system barriers.
* Further experience and skills required are detailed in the PO3 Senior Social worker job description.
About The Role
This opportunity arises for a Social worker, PO1 (or Senior Social Worker PO3) to join the Capacity & Flow Service (Working Age Adult). The service works in close collaboration with system partners to optimise overall capacity across the acute inpatient pathway. Applicants for the PO3 grade will need to be an AMHP.
What We Offer You
* 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.
* Various staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial well‑being.
Job Description
Job Purpose
Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to adults, carers and community, in accordance with organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines.
Core Responsibilities
* Carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person‑centred approach.
* Provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
* Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; provide evidence in court.
* Assist in the planning and development of future services and policies, promoting innovative ways of supporting 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 agreed policies and professional guidance.
* Formulate and implement service and support plans that match the assessed needs of service users, families and carers.
* Analyse information to support ongoing needs of service users, families and carers.
* Monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to assessed needs of service users and carers.
* Investigate and manage risks using a safeguarding framework for those who have experienced or may experience significant harm.
* Provide written and verbal reports that are concise, informative and suitable for the legal context.
* Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and accurate.
* Ensure compliance with governance, policy and procedures.
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies.
* Contribute to improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse communities.
* Understand and apply all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
* Plan and negotiate appropriate services and interventions within delegated responsibility.
* Identify and implement strategies for practice improvement, seeking guidance if required.
* Participate in meetings and relevant forums; convene and chair multi‑agency meetings.
* Organise work activities, prioritising tasks to meet statutory legislation and service priorities.
* Adhere to the National Professional Capabilities Framework.
* Participate in training and development activities to maintain professional knowledge.
* Comply with all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures.
* Promote equality, diversity and inclusion policies.
* Perform any other duties appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job.
* Maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets.
* Provide advice to and support fellow social workers; supervise student placements.
* Work across the social work sector, through secondments, to develop knowledge and skills for complex caseloads.
* Under the Team Manager's direction, undertake specific projects relating to customer feedback, complaints and multi‑agency initiatives.
* Chair multi‑agency meetings, determine plans and recommend actions to the Team Manager.
* Supervise students and prepare practice learning settings, ensuring induction and ongoing monitoring.
JOB OVERVIEW
To manage a complex caseload assessing needs and risk, maintaining case notes, writing reports, and auditing evidence. To contribute to planning, staff supervision, and capacity building within the community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Undertake complex Community Care assessments and investigate alleged neglect or abuse of adults.
* Conduct safeguarding investigations per legislative and multi‑agency procedures.
* Implement risk assessments, identify needs and options.
* Build relationships with service users, families and carers to promote independence and early intervention.
* Enhance screening of new referrals and existing services.
* Facilitate informed decision‑making for individuals and families.
* Work within the court arena to secure and execute court orders.
* Develop value‑for‑money care packages and commission services to optimise quality of life.
* Participate in workshops, consultations and practice development.
* Handle case‑specific tasks assigned by other team members.
* Undertake Practice Educator Level 2 duties, assessing and managing social work students.
* Participate in office duty at rota, responding to referrals and implementing actions.
* Conduct Best Interest Assessments and document within statutory timeframes.
* Identify and nominate representatives on behalf of individuals, recommending authorisation.
* Apply Mental Health Act 2007 duties, including assessment and admissions where authorised.
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.
Qualifications
Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent). Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement and maintain registration. Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment and Level 2 within an agreed time period.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must demonstrate, through the application form, that they meet all essential requirements for the role.
Skills Required
* Effective planning, management, prioritisation and evaluation of work.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Assertiveness and ability to manage conflict.
* Creative problem‑solving and innovation.
* Implementation and evaluation of service and support plans.
* Assessment of needs using a person‑centred approach.
* Judgement and consultation skills.
* Flexibility, creativity and initiative.
* Accurate record‑keeping and adherence to policy.
* Technology competence for evidence communication.
* Leadership and mentorship of staff and trainees.
Knowledge Required
* Appropriate social work qualification and HCPC registration.
* Practice Educator Level 2 experience.
* Recent professional development relevant to the role.
* Knowledge of legislative frameworks and statutory agencies.
* IT literacy including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
* Awareness of regulatory bodies and best practices for vulnerable people.
* Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and diversity issues.
* Application of mental health training when required.
* Best Interest Assessor Training when required.
Experience Required
* Significant statutory setting experience.
* Multi‑agency setting experience.
* Creative problem‑solving and person‑centred approach implementation.
* Supervision and support of qualified and non‑qualified staff.
* Reflective practice for decision‑making and planning.
* High‑standard written reports and documentation.
* Management of complex caseloads within policy and procedure.
* Information gathering for assessments.
Behavioural & Other Characteristics Required
* Commitment to continuous improvement.
* Recognition of diversity significance in practice.
* Compliance with health & safety policies.
* Professional development for practice improvement.
* Ongoing HCPC registration and compliance.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Desirables may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Skills Required (Desirable)
* Full current driving licence.
Knowledge Required (Desirable)
* Consolidation of learning for specialist practice.
* Awareness of a range of services for users, families and carers.
Experience Required (Desirable)
* Experience with court environments.
* Experience with a wide range of user groups.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. Our diversity statement includes women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced applicants.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK or secure sponsorship through the Skilled Worker visa route, meeting the salary threshold of at least £41,700 or other eligibility criteria.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. For further guidance, see our recruitment of ex‑offenders policy.
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