An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Social Work Service at St Josephs Hospice based in Hackney. As Senior Social Worker you will work as part of a committed and creative team, which offers innovative social care interventions and support to people with palliative and end life care needs, and to their families, carers and children.
The social work team works in collaboration with other clinical professionals and volunteers across all areas of the service; inpatient, outpatient and community. The team includes social workers, a dedicated carers service lead and welfare benefits lead. In addition to clinical case work and line management responsibilities, the Senior Social Worker deputises for the Social Work Manager in their absence providing cover for day-to-day operational matters.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for:
* Post-qualifying experience working in the context of palliative or end of life care or a related area.
* Post-qualifying experience of individual staff management and professional supervision.
* Experience of managing and coordinating complex casework and safeguarding concerns across professional groups and agencies.
We can offer you:
* The opportunity to work in an experienced, supportive and dynamic team in palliative social care.
* Professional development opportunities in a specialist palliative care setting.
* Exemplary multi-professional working with a commitment to personalised, holistic care
The job is based at St Josephs. Some local travel is essential. Full support and training will be provided in all aspects of the job by the hospice. There are excellent opportunities for learning and professional development. The post holder will be accountable to the Social Work Manager.
About us
St Josephs Hospice was founded in 1905 by the Religious Sisters of Charity and built on a rich Catholic heritage. Today, we are an Investors in Diversity awarded charity, providing expert, compassionate care to people of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs across East and North London. Our specialist palliative care services delivered at home, in our in-patient unit, and through out-patient clinics are grounded in respect for human dignity and guided by compassion, justice, and a deep commitment to quality. Our values guide us in everything that we do. We work to ensure that everyone receives the support they need, with kindness, understanding, and respect by delivering individualised, responsive and holistic support to patients and their families.
Why work for us?
* 27 days holiday plus public holidays, increasing up to 33 days with service.
* Subsidised cafe and early access to retail sale events.
* Season ticket/Welfare loans
* Continuation of NHS Pension Scheme or an excellent salary-exchange pension scheme.
* Santander cycles discount and cycle to work scheme.
* Health Cash Plan and access to the EAP services.
For further information please see our attached vacancy pack or contact Rowena Durant, Social Work Manager, at R.Durant@stjh.org.uk or 020 8525 6093.
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
* Comprehensive assessment of the psycho-social support needs of patients, carers and families, considering issues of risk and/or safeguarding, with other members of the team.
* Formulate appropriate interventions to meet client needs with other members of the multi‑professional team, the patients personal networks and other community resources.
* Undertake home visits as required, either alone or with another member of the MDT.
* Effectively manage a complex caseload.
* Take responsibility for recognising and addressing the needs of those with mental health problems, learning disabilities, or conditions that may lead to increased vulnerability.
* Offer advice, support, and information regarding a range of practical issues including care, housing, financial issues.
* Assist parents to plan for their children’s future when they have a palliative condition, and talk about death and dying.
* Lead professional responsibility for safeguarding, including referring to adults and children’s statutory services where needed. Maintain knowledge of safeguarding practice and legislation with the view to cascading relevant information to staff.
* Understanding of the impact of life‑threatening illness and disability and their treatment upon individuals and families (both adults and children) and the resources available.
Communication
* Ensure good communication both within and between the department and other hospice teams, and external agencies.
* Chair/ attend multi‑disciplinary or family meetings within the Hospice, as required, to facilitate agreed action plans.
* Chair/attend the weekly community MDTs.
* Actively develop relationships with other managers and teams within the organisation to promote work of the team and enhance multi‑professional working.
* Attend/chair regular social work team meetings, bringing updates and developments into the service and wider organisation.
Training and Development
* Develop and provide training/education programmes including on safeguarding, and the role of palliative care Social Work for internal and external audiences.
* Participate in the induction and orientation of new staff and students on placement from all disciplines.
* Act as Practice Educator or on‑site supervisor for social work students on placement.
Managerial
* Deputise for the Social Work Manager in their absence providing cover for day-to-day operational matters and reporting to the Head of Supportive Care.
* Line management and supervision of Social Work Assistant.
* To provide casework support, guidance and advice to members of the social work team.
* Provision of professional support to safeguarding enablers, act in conjunction with Social Work Manager as safeguarding lead.
Personal Development
* Adhere at all times to Social Work England professional code of practice.
* Engage in regular supervision.
Person Specification
General Requirements
Essential
* Please refer to job description above
Desirable
* Please refer to job description above
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
St Joseph's Hospice
Address
St Joesph's Hospice, Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 4SA
Employer's website
https://www.stjh.org.uk/about-us/our-history/ (Opens in a new tab)
St Joesph's Hospice, Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 4SA
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