The First Contact Team engages with citizens across Staffordshire, delivering strengths-based, outcome-focused assessments primarily via telephone and virtual platforms. These Care Act 2014‑compliant assessments identify eligible needs while recognising people's strengths, assets and ability to maintain independence. The team works with individuals to develop care and support plans and collaborates closely with Brokerage to ensure services are arranged to meet any residual eligible social care needs. First Contact also provides timely, accessible information and advice, supporting people to connect with appropriate services such as local community support, health pathways, befriending services and preventative resources. In addition, the team undertakes in‑person assessments for carers and young carers of all ages across the county in accordance with the Children and Families Act. This is a hybrid role, with all appropriate equipment provided to support flexible working.
Responsibilities
* Take responsibility for Care Act assessments and/or Young Carers Assessments, including all statutory functions
* Develop collaborative relationships with adults and their families/networks of support, promoting positive expectations and understanding wishes, feelings and strengths
* Undertake purposeful engagement with individuals, families and professionals to understand needs, strengths, networks and capacity to consent
* Analyse information to identify and manage risk appropriately
* Negotiate and agree realistic, outcome-focused support plans
* Work in partnership with colleagues and external professionals to enable independence and positive outcomes
* Maintain high-quality electronic records and performance data in line with policy and procedure
Qualifications
* Understanding of Care Act and Children and Families Act and how to identify needs, strengths and outcomes
* Knowledge of person‑centred and strengths‑based practice when working with adults and all age carers
* Awareness of risk, safeguarding and proportionate decision‑making
* Knowledge of key adult social care legislation (including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act)
* Understanding of effective communication with individuals, families and professionals
* Awareness of multi‑agency working and the wider health and social care system
* Knowledge of professional recording standards and use of digital case management systems
* Understanding of outcome‑focused support planning and service options
Our Values
The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead – that goes for your career too.
Benefits
In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to our rewards and benefits – Careers at Staffordshire.
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