Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

As a Senior Social Worker, you will work with complex cases in order to meet assessed needs for our adults. You will be expected to have strong experience in assessing the social care needs of adults who are 18 years and over and will be able to provide effective support to individuals using a strength-based approach to enable individuals to live as independently as possible with more choice and control. You will supervise and support staff as well as collaborate with team managers to improve processes and shape the team.

We are proud to offer hybrid working, with the expectation to be office based 2 days per week. We can also consider flexible working arrangements. You will join a knowledgeable and supportive team, who are happy to share their knowledge and in addition, you will have opportunity to undertake training via the Essex Social Care Academy and develop skills and understanding regarding your role and career progression.

About the Role

Working to support adults, and their families, who have complex social needs and are more vulnerable as a result of disability, exclusion, or diminished capacity, you’ll maximise their potential to live independently. You’ll be a source of specialist advice, managing your own complex caseload as well as supporting colleagues with theirs.

You will assess social care needs using a person centred and strengths-based approach and contribute to the development of care and support plans for adults. The role will require you to manage a caseload of adults with complex needs, including assessment of risk through direct work, within a quality assurance process. A focus of the role will be to ensure vulnerable people are safeguarded in line with ECC’s statutory obligations.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Working collaboratively across the Council, with partners and statutory and voluntary agencies, to ensure a joined-up approach.

• Taking part in a range of case conferences, court attendance, meetings and statutory reviews, proactively taking the lead when a social care perspective is required.

• Developing a high level of expertise in particular areas of practice, and leading on those areas

To apply, you should be either a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration or a qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration. You will be post-qualified 2 years with an in-depth knowledge of complex cases and The Care Act and will be AMHP, BIA or PE qualified, or have secured intention to complete these qualifications.

We require a proactive worker who has a proven record of working complex cases and supporting other staff members. A worker who wants to develop and become part of the management Team.

You’ll bring significant experience of social work / occupational therapy, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We’re also looking for your ability to mentor both newly-qualified and experienced team members. As, as a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current Adult Social Care legislation, regulations and guidance.

With experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi-agency professionals, we’re looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults.

You’ll also bring:

• Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.

• An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.

• The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.

This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car – or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means – is essential.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service .

What We Offer In Return

We’ll support you to be your best…

• Training and development to empower you from our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy.

• With us you can make your career work for you with flexible working options

• With us you can get the support you need with employee wellbeing and counselling

• Lease Car scheme

• Up to £8000 for relocation *

• Free onsite office car parking

• With us you can have peace of mind with life assurance of three times annual salary

• Payment of professional fees for approved professions

• Local Government Pension Scheme. View Key Facts and FAQ’s about the LGPS.

• Volunteering leave

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – access to free and confidential information, support, and guidance from a team of highly qualified professionals.

• Employee Networks – communities to support you, connect you and help influence change at ECC

Whatever you want to achieve in your social care career, you can do it here.

For more information visit our Adult Social Care Brochure or contact Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk