Social Worker

About the role

A new and exciting opportunity has opened in our North Northamptonshire Shared Lives scheme for a Social Worker to join this fantastic service for a 12 month temporary contract. Shared Lives provides care and support in a comfortable family home environment, enabling people supported to live independently for as long as possible in their community through either long term or respite support.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with a social work qualification and substantial knowledge and experience of working within adult social care as well as having a sound knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks and the ability to demonstrate commitment to the principles of the care act.

The post holder will have a key part in helping with the growth of the Shared Lives team, day-to-day prioritisation of safeguarding referrals and safeguarding case management, have an overview of the Shared Lives customers quality of care acting as a trusted assessor conducting existing Shared Lives customer reviews and new customer assessments whilst discharging your statutory duties.

You will be an excellent team player, confident, assertive, have the ability to prioritise and work under pressure and collaboratively with all stakeholders in a solution focused and person-centred way

What will you be doing?

Purpose of the job

To provide a high standard of social work to people arising out of the Adult Social Care (ASC) duties and powers under legislation and in accordance with divisional and area policy, procedures, guidelines, and the standards for all Social Workers registered with Social Work England

Main responsibilities

1. Act as “trusted assessors” for defined areas of the support plan Conduct or support individual assessments for exciting and new customers (including risk assessments of both the customer and carer, in line with eligibility criteria to assess the dependency needs of the customer) or facilitate self-assessments, using the appropriate assessment tools and techniques to establish clear, relevant, proportionate, cost effective and appropriate options for the individual. Value and encourage the contribution of service users and their advocates, relatives, carers and support workers where appropriate. Work alongside Brokers to procure support plans including equipment and adaptations.

1. To manage and be accountable for an allocated caseload of customers in compliance with statutory requirements, local policy, professional best practice and with regard for individual choice. Ensure compliance with policies and procedures of the council, and those of any partner agencies, are followed, and that the service is always delivered in accordance with professional standards, policy and practice and within the relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.

1. Operating within a multidisciplinary environment to provide appropriate, professional social work support for adults with additional care and support needs within the framework of the seven social care outcomes, adhering to the principles of the Care Act (2014) and, where applicable, Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Mental Health Act (1983; 2007).

1. Operating within an integrated service, to provide individualised, outcomes-led, personalised support, based on structured, individual assessments that inform the setting up and commissioning of appropriate packages of support.

1. Assist with monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the service and contribute to the development of service improvements through participation and involvement in local and central team meetings, supervision, training, conferences and other forums. Work flexibly and respond positively to changing business and customer needs. and carry out any other duties within the scope of the nature and grade of the post, as directed by the line manager

1. Maintain up to date, accurate and timely records of communication, decisions, actions and outcomes relating to cases in line with the processes, standards and systems of adult social care. Take responsibility for the administrative processes associated with dealing with cases in accordance with service procedures, standards and targets. Produce, maintain and present accurate records and reports for court and audit purposes in accordance with relevant policies, procedures and legislation.

1. Supervise and allocate work to Assessment and Enablement Workers (AEWs) and less experienced colleagues to maximise the team’s abilities and effectiveness in meeting the challenges of the service.

1. Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of people who come into contact with the service, in full compliance with local policies and procedures and that the principles are embedded in all practices, advice, decisions and support associated with this role.

1. Liaise with, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other local services, specialist teams, Hospital Trusts, and the 3rd sector organisations relevant to the needs of the customer in order to deliver a holistic and seamless service. Co-ordinating and leading multidisciplinary/ professional meetings as required, representing the service at internal and external meetings. Supporting with the promotion of the service to expand and grow.

General responsibilities applicable to all jobs

1. Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behavioural, physical, social and welfare needs.
2. Comply with the Council’s policies and procedures including (but not limited to) safeguarding, financial regulations, promotion of equalities, customer care, agreed audit actions and health and safety (ensuring that reasonable care is taken at all times for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and other persons).
3. Understand the councils committment to Corporate Parenting and take responsibility  to support this commitment. Enable the council to be the best corporate parents possible to children and young people in our current and previous care.
4. Carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of this job description and which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

This job description reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder and identifies a level of responsibility at which they will be required to work.  In the interests of effective working, the major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and circumstances. Such reviews and any consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder.

About you

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience

Minimum level of qualifications required for this job;

Minimum levels of knowledge, skills and experience required for this job

                           Disclosure Level

                           Work Type

Our benefits

We offer:

• a competitive salary
• a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
• opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
• generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
• agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.

About us

We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.

Our priorities are:

• helping people live active fulfilled lives
• caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
• enabling a thriving and successful economy
• leading on a green and sustainable environment
• ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
• providing modern public services

Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.

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