Senior Social Worker – Role Overview
Provide intensive support to ensure bespoke professional supervision is readily available for all social workers. The core functions of the role are to conduct assessment, care planning and coordination of care from a social perspective for adults accessing the service, hold a caseload of adults with mental health and social care needs, and maintain reflective practice and continuing professional development in line with Social Work England.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct comprehensive Care Act assessments and reviews.
* Lead promotion of adult safeguarding practice and undertake safeguarding enquiries.
* Commission and coordinate health and social care services for service users.
* Advocate for Direct Payments in commissioning of care plans.
* Perform regular risk assessments to keep vulnerable people safe.
* Maintain accurate records in the service users' Electronic Patient Record.
* Participate in reflective practice sessions and ongoing training.
* Provide management and reflective supervision to newly qualified Social Workers and Support Workers.
* Support newly qualified social workers through the ASYE programme, including training as an ASYE assessor.
* May undertake duties as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or be willing to undertake AMHP training.
* Perform additional delegated duties accepted by the Trust.
* Adhere to Trust policies and procedures.
Required Experience and Qualifications
* Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
* Experience working within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
* Experience attending funding panels and commissioning care packages.
* Experience within NHS/Local Authority environment.
* Valid driving licence – ability to travel between Trust sites.
* Flexible working hours to support service and work/life balance.
Desirable Skills & Knowledge
* Post‑qualification experience in mental health services.
* Previous appointment as AMHP or Best Interest Assessor.
* Knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent amendments.
* Knowledge of The Care Act 2014 and related legislation.
* Experience with the NHS & Community Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and other relevant frameworks.
* Strong report‑writing and case‑recording skills.
* Ability to conduct safeguarding enquiries and investigations.
* Excellent communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Ability to manage complex, high‑risk situations effectively.
* Experience working in an integrated health and social care environment.
Personal Qualities
Team player, independent and proactive, self‑motivated, committed to equality and diversity, respects human and civil rights, able to manage change and leadership responsibilities.
Useful Information
The role is part of Central Bedfordshire’s Social Care team and offers access to the ASYE programme, AMHP training and continuous professional development pathways. Flexible working hours and travel between Trust sites are integral to the position.
#J-18808-Ljbffr