Job title: Social Worker: Mental Health Unit Duty Team
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
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.
About you
As our next Social Worker with the Mental Health Unit Duty team, you will:
* Bring a thorough understanding and working knowledge of relevant legislation and experience of implementing statutory responsibilities, including undertaking and overseeing safeguarding enquiries on behalf of the local authority.
* Enjoy a varied role, responding to unforeseen and sometimes challenging situations, necessitating flexibility and adaptability.
* Work within a small team and be confident in liaising with other statutory, independent and third sector organisations.
* Have excellent communication skills, an enquiring approach and demonstrate professional curiosity and strong problem-solving skills - as duty workers are the first point of contact for users of the service, carers and professionals.
* Be involved in screening referrals to the unit, information gathering, decision making and signposting to appropriate services.
About the role
The Mental Health Unit (MHU) provides statutory social work services across the city to adults over 18 accessing secondary mental health services. The team supports three area mental health social work teams and the community forensic social work team. The MHU duty team comprises the roles of duty and advice with undertaking short-term pieces of prevention work, dealing with urgent need and managing situations where intervention is required in the absence of the allocated social worker. Visits and assessments in the community and on psychiatric wards will be part of the role.
The post is office based at Tribeca House enabling collaborative working alongside colleagues, with regular supervision with the Duty Coordinator. As the duty team is expanding and developing, this is an exciting time to get involved in shaping how the team adapts to best support the work of the MHU as a whole.
The Mental Health Unit upholds the values of Leeds City Council to work alongside individuals in a way which is person-centred and values uniqueness, potential and strengths. You will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and upholding Leeds City Council values of being open honest and trusted, treating people fairly, working as a team and working for communities.
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 an online application. 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 Charlotte Atkinson, Duty Coordinator. Call 07891 271 375 or email Charlotte.Atkinson@leeds.gov.uk
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 and the communities we serve.
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. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
Job Description
Job Purpose:
Under the general direction of a Team Manager, and with support from Senior Social Workers, provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to adults, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines.
Core Responsibilities:
* To carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
* 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 are likely to experience significant harm.
* Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on an analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
* Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required.
* Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits 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 an 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.
* 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.
* Work to and within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework.
* 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.
* 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.
Job Overview: To undertake cases, demonstrating an ability to adapt the approach from first principles to deal with more complex or unusual cases, assessing and managing risks appropriately.
Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; 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, and supervise students.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Undertake 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.
Under clear supervision, contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
Work with adults, 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 order.
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.
Manage an allocated caseload of service users, regularly monitor, review and evaluate changes in service user needs and ensure that all services contribute effectively to the support plan and remain an effective use of resources.
Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings.
Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. This may include elements of co-working more challenging/complex casework alongside more experienced workers.
Carry out the Practice Educator Level 1 role.
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 Mental Capacity Act Assessments as set out in statute, document and evidence assessments as required within statutorily defined time frames and make recommendations for 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.
Participate in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) rota where professionally qualified.
Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers – Mental Health
Work with people aged 18+ with Mental Health issues.
Economic Conditions:
Annual Leave: 26 days per annum plus 8 statutory holidays pro rata for part time employees.
An additional 5 days leave is given after 5 years continuous service.
Hours: 37 hours per week - Normal office hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Thursday and 8.30am - 4:30pm on a Friday.
Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings.
Flexible Working: A range of flexible working options are available subject to approval of a business case.
Conditions of Service: NJC Terms and Conditions apply. Some locally negotiated agreements may also be in place.
Equality & Diversity: Within the Council this is about making sure that everyone can fully join in the social, cultural, political and economic life of the city.
Health & Safety: The Council believes that ensuring the safety, health and well-being of employees, contractors, service users (including learners) and all others affected by our activities is essential to accomplishing our ambition and values.
Promotion: Whilst no guarantee can be given to subsequent promotion, there are currently a number of higher graded posts within the Council which potentially provide the opportunity for career progression within the Council.
Training: The Council has a positive commitment to the training and development of employees in all areas of its activities.
Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain registration.
The post holder should have achieved or commenced the Practice Educator Level 1 qualification after 2 years post qualification but within an agreed timescale of starting in this post.
Relationships: The post holder will work as part of a team within a health and social care setting, maintaining effective relationships with other colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers and other agencies.
Physical Conditions: The post holder will be community based working within a social and/or health care setting but may be required to work in other locations throughout the city to effectively deliver their duties.
Leeds City Council has a no smoking policy. However the post holder may be required to visit service users homes where other people may smoke.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS: This post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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.
* Progression through the grades will be linked to the appraisal process and subject to you performing your key tasks to a satisfactory level, and where appropriate successful completion of examinations.
Skills required
* Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with users.
* Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
* Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers and colleagues.
* Able to engage individuals, families, carers and workers from other agencies.
* Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
* Ability to devise and implement service and support plans.
* Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
* 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 make proactive use of supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.
* Ability to develop safeguarding investigative skills.
* Ability to chair routine or less complex meetings.
Knowledge required
* Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
* Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
* Knowledge of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
* Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on service users and families e.g. drugs, alcohol, domestic violence.
* 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.
* Report Writing and Communications Skills.
* Completion of NQSW programme or the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Approved Mental Health Professional or willing to undertake appropriate training if required on completion of 2 years post qualification experience.
Experience required
* Of implementing a person centred/child focused approach.
* Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
* Of advocacy and user involvement.
* Of using initiative and a commitment to developing services.
* 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.
* Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
* Of using supervision effectively.
* Minimum of 12 months post qualification experience of working in a statutory setting.
* Experience of devising, implementing and reviewing support plans.
Behavioural & Other Related 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 and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr