The NHS Highland Board’s catchment area comprises the largest and most sparsely populated part of Scotland (over 12,000 square miles, which represents over 40% of the land mass of Scotland) serving a population of over 300,000. There are approximately 120 social work staff working across 15 social work teams within the integrated health and social care model.
The Badenoch and Strathspey Community Care Social Work Team is based in Aviemore. Situated within the Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital, the social work team is a key partner within the wider Integrated District Team, providing services to Adults over 25 years of age.
The Senior Social Worker supports the Social Work Team Manager to manage and deliver leadership on professional issues for the Social Work Team. They will undertake delegated tasks such as supervision, personal development plans, work relating to management of capability and conduct. They are responsible for allocation of work to other team members and monitoring the delivery of this work. They will also support the District Manager as required through delegated tasks from the Team Manager. They will hold a caseload, primarily of more complex cases, as allocated by the team manager and will be required to prioritise this appropriately alongside leadership work. The senior will also hold a remit for staff development.
Qualifications and skills
* The post holder must hold a relevant social work qualification at degree level or equivalent and be registered with the SSSC as a Social Worker.
* Hold a qualification or be willing to work towards post‑qualifying practice.
* Ability to lead, coach and motivate and inspire staff.
* Have current knowledge of national legislation related to social work and codes of practice, policies and procedures related to adults and their carers.
* Demonstrate experience and ability in the design and delivery of professional training and development activities.
* Ability to use a range of models to engage with individuals and their families, particularly early and crisis interventions and solutions‑focused approaches etc.
* Understand the roles and responsibilities of other professionals within the integrated team.
* Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to influence and negotiate changing roles/service delivery with other staff.
* Ability to analyse, negotiate and problem‑solve.
* Understanding of the professional roles of team members and awareness and understanding of how health and social care is delivered.
* Experience in a coordinating role involving people and service delivery.
* Able to influence and negotiate with individuals, carers, staff in the integrated team, independent and third sector agencies and others.
* Awareness of current developments in social work practice.
* Awareness of financial processes in connection with the provision of care packages.
* Development skills – to support service improvements.
* IT literate.
* Confidence and self‑belief with ability to recognise own strengths and weaknesses.
* Innovative thinking with ability to problem‑solve.
* Evidence of ability to work in partnership.
Informal enquires are welcomed. Please contact Morag Ainslie, Social Work Team Manager for a chat.
Morag Ainslie, Social Work Team Manager. Email: morag.ainslie@nhs.scot; phone 01479 812 618
Job Reference: 234826
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 4th January 2026
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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