Senior Social Worker - Req24441

Job title:  Senior Social Worker

Directorate: Adult & Health

Salary: £40,221 - £43,421

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Trust Headquarters, St James Hospitals 

Would you like to be part of something bigger and join us in our ambition to become the Best City, working together as a Team for Leeds. Do your values match ours and do you have something to offer? 

We are currently recruiting 2 Senior Social Workers for the hospital discharge neighbourhood teams (HDNT) to support the delivery of adult social care statutory duties including assessments, reviews, and interventions.  As a service, we are going through a transformation period to adopt the Home First model to the discharge to ensure patients are discharged and assessed in the community. We are working closely and in partnership with our colleagues from Leeds Teaching Hospital (LTHT) and the Leeds Community Health (LCH).  As a Senior Social Worker, you will carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person-centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures. 

 Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

As team Leeds, our ambition is to tackle poverty and inequality and improve quality of life for everyone who calls Leeds home. Leeds City Council delivers over 500 different services to residents and is dedicated to bringing the benefits of a prosperous, vibrant, and attractive city to the people of Leeds. This is a fantastic time to join us.  

About you

As a Senior Social Worker, you will bring to the role:

•  Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent). 
• Able to effectively plan, manage a complex workload, prioritise, and evaluate work with service users.   
• A high level of effective written and verbal communication as well as the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers, and colleagues.
•  Ability to assess needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach. 
•  Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.  
• Significant experience of working in a statutory and multidisciplinary setting
•  A Commitment to continuous development and service improvement.

About the role

As a Senior Social Worker, you will carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person-centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures 

• Provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
• Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.
• Supervise students and offer support to trainees, other team members and/or volunteers.
• Manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from Team Managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and their carers. Very highly complex cases may be co-worked within the line management framework. 
• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person-centred approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
• To monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families, and carers in accordance with directorate procedures. 
• To use a Safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative, and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context. 
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy, and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers, and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies, and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. 

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Nathalie Kayij, SDM, Nathalie.Kayij@leeds.gov.uk. 

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose: Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service adults, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines

The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.

This is an experienced Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support and guidance to other team members

Core Responsibilities: 

• To carry a caseload of complex cases and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures 
• Provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
• Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.
• Supervise students and offer support to trainees, other team members and/or volunteers.
• Manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from Team Managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and their carers. Very highly complex cases may be co-worked within the line management framework
• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
• To monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in accordance with directorate procedures
• To use a Safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context. 
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. 
• Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. 
• Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi agency meetings in line with procedures.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• To work to and within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework      
• To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
• To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures
• To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• Provide professional advice, and support to colleagues, including newly qualified Social Workers. Supervise, support and provide development for student placements.
• Work in a cross section of social work teams, through secondments etc. to continually develop and consolidate knowledge base and level of skills and enabling the assignment of more complex caseloads to meet the ever changing needs of individuals, their families and carers. 
• Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
• Chair multi agency meetings, determine plans and make recommendations to the Team Manager and contribute to the development of capacity within the community
• To supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.

JOB OVERVIEW

To be responsible for a complex caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding adults, carers and community. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.  Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.  Supervise students and develop the practice learning setting. Give guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Undertake a range of complex Community Care assessments.  Investigate complaints of alleged neglect and/or abuse of adults.      
• Undertake safeguarding investigations in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures.  
• Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families and carers: provide advice and support: promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.
• Contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
• Work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
• Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders 
• Construct value for money care packages; commission a range of services for individuals, groups and communities designed to minimise risk and improve quality of life for service users and their carers.
• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.
• Carry out specific pieces of work on cases that are allocated to other team members.
• To undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students.
• Participate in office duty on a rota basis, responding to new referrals, assessing urgency of requests and with advice and support, if appropriate, implementing actions to meet immediate needs.
• With appropriate supervision and guidance and following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience undertake Best Interest Assessments as set out in statute, document and evidence assessments as required within statutorily defined time frames.    
• Where required identify and nominate a Representative for the individual and make recommendations for any proposed authorisation
• Where required, following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience to undertake social work duties with regard to the Mental Health Act 2007, including assessment and admissions, where authorised for this duty.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers - Transitions Team

• To contribute to the common assessment framework and future needs planning for young people aged 14+

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers – Mental Health

• Work with people aged 18+ with Mental Health issues
• Participate in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) rota.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers – Emergency Duty Team

• To provide an out of hours city-wide high quality emergency social work service for all client groups in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices within Adult Social Care and Children’s services and within statutory guidelines.
• To undertake assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983 and provide responses in relation to children where they are referred as in need of protection.
• To fully participate in the EDT Duty Rota.
• Working within safeguarding procedures, to make enquiries and manage risks where children have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.
• To provide crisis responses to carers who are in need of an urgent provision to alleviate a situation.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers – Physical Impairment 

• Manage a specific caseload of disabled adults who have multifaceted and complex needs where specialist knowledge is required e.g. Effect of medical condition, available resources etc
• Offer advice, information and support to colleagues in dealing with disabled adults who have multifaceted and complex needs.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker – Traumatic Brain Injury

• Manage a specific caseload of complex brain injury cases and support colleagues who work with people with brain injury.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker – Area Mental Health

• To provide a care management and social work service for adults (aged 18+) with mental health and other complex social care needs.
• To provide advice, consultation, and professional advice to those trained to undertake Adult Safeguarding, Approved Mental Health Professional, Best Interests Assessor and Mental Capacity Act duties and/or assessments. 
• To offer supervision, advice, and guidance to others within the Area Office including OT’s, Social Workers (Care Managers), and unqualified staff in ensuring the delivery of a safe and outcome-oriented service to those with mental and physical health needs. This will include work with individuals with complex and challenging needs who may represent a risk to themselves and/or others.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Worker – Crisis Assessment Service

• To take a lead role in screening and assessment, and provision of crisis management for people referred to the service who are in crisis.
• Provide a service, which is in line with the team operational policy i.e. client focused, accessible and responsive on a 24 hour basis.
• Maintain and develop expertise in the acute care of people with a serious mental health problems, including the management of people at significant risk of suicide.
• To carry out Mental Health Act Assessments, particularly people detained on Section 136.

Qualifications: 

Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement of the post and maintain registration.  

Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment, and to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed time period.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills Required

• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.   
• Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
• A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers and colleagues.
• Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies. 
• Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
• To innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
• Ability to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans.
• Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
• Ability to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary.
• Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative.
• Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Ability to chair multi agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity.
• Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff.
• Able to lead and motivate staff.

Knowledge Required

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
• Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• To undertake Practice Educator Level 2 on appointment.
• Recent relevant professional development.
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
• Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi agency environment.
• Undertake Approved Mental Health Practitioner training if required.
• Best Interest Assessor Training if required.

Experience Required

• Significant experience of working in a statutory setting.
• Experience of working in a multi agency setting.
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
• Of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approach.
• Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non qualified staff.
• Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
• Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
• Managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure. 
• Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
• Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development.
• Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Skills Required

• Possession of a full current driving licence.

Knowledge Required

• Consolidation of learning for specialist practice.
• Of the range of services available to users, families and carers.

Experience Required

• Of working and reporting within a court environment.
• Of working with a wide range of user groups.