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 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 assessments of service users and carer needs using a person-centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
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 assessments 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.
* On the basis of assessed needs and risks, 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
* 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.
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 2024. 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 for adults, carers, and the community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy, and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines.
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 assessments 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.
* On the basis of assessed needs and risks, 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.
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.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* Knowledge 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.
* Significant experience of working in a statutory setting.
* Experience of working in a multi-agency setting.
* Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
* Experience 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.
* Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
* Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth, and Zero Carbon.
* Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
* Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
* Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
* Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
* Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
* The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
* Possession of a full current driving licence.
* Consolidation of learning for specialist practice.
* Knowledge of the range of services available to users, families, and carers.
* Experience of working and reporting within a court environment.
* Experience of working with a wide range of user groups.
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