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
#J-18808-Ljbffr