We are seeking a Senior Social Worker to join our team in Essex, where you will lead in delivering person-centred services that empower individuals and families, focusing on their strengths and potential.
The Senior Social Worker will utilise expert social work knowledge and practice, focusing on person-centred work with individuals and families, emphasising their strengths, interests, and assets in accordance with the Care Act (2014). As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will lead the social work role within mental health, as identified by the five role categories for Social Work for Better Mental Health.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Responsibilities:
* Conduct assessments, care planning, and reviews in line with policy, procedures, and legislation, including aftercare under Section 117 of the MHA.
* Act as a care coordinator for your caseload, using strength-based approaches to support service users in achieving positive outcomes, enhancing wellbeing, and increasing independence as outlined in the Care Act (2014).
* Undertake and lead on Care Act assessments, risk assessments, and risk management plans, supporting positive risk-taking.
* Practice as an AMHP, responding effectively to referrals and enquiries, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including the MHA 1983, MCA 2005, and Safeguarding guidelines.
* Provide complex and sensitive information in emotive situations, demonstrating specialist knowledge in assessing and providing care for service users with complex needs.
* Collaborate with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians, and other practitioners to deliver services.
Non-Clinical Responsibilities:
* Supervise and manage lower-banded staff, ensuring they receive appropriate induction, supervision, appraisal, and training.
* Support the development of social work practice and the AMHP service, acting as a Practice Assessor for social work and AMHP students.
* Lead the implementation of recovery plans in line with care clusters, identifying clear outcomes and review measures.
* Engage with Trust strategic objectives, ensuring adherence to NHS Constitution values and the principles of openness, transparency, and duty of candour.
* Promote equality, diversity, and rights in all aspects of service delivery and staff management.
Professional Development:
* Participate in professional and peer supervision, maintaining professional registration with Social Work England and AMHP Regulation requirements.
* Complete mandatory training, engage in continuous professional development, and actively participate in the staff appraisal process.
* Contribute to the development of policy and evidence-based practice, ensuring the effective use of resources and recovery-based service delivery.
Additional Duties:
* Comply with Trust policies on infection control, health and safety, and information governance.
* Ensure confidentiality of patient, staff, and other personal information in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (2018).
Application Criteria:
Essential:
* Recognised Social Work Qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS)
* Registration with Social Work England
* AMHP qualification
* Experience in multidisciplinary social care, particularly in mental health settings
* Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Care Act 2014, MHA 1983, MCA 2005)
* IT literacy, strong communication skills, and leadership abilities
Desirable:
* Practice teaching experience
* Understanding of social care resources beyond statutory agencies
* Experience in service development and delivering training