At a Glance
- Tasks: Support mental health services by assessing needs and creating support plans for residents.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the London Borough of Newham, focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a hybrid working model.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to anti-racism and safeguarding vulnerable groups.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in social care.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong communication skills, and understanding of mental health issues.
The predicted salary is between 38256 - 39276 € per year.
£38,256 - £39,276 per annum
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a newly created Social Care Officer post within the Mental Health Adult Social Care Access Team (MHASCAT). MHASCAT is the front door service for all new referrals into mental health social services which sits within the Primary Care Networks (PCN) space in conjunction with our health colleagues.
We are looking for a Social Care Officer who wants to develop their skills with case work under the Care Act 2014, undertaking assessments of need, completing support plans and working with residents and carers to maximize independence and improve well-being, ascertaining the level of need and signposting as appropriate.
Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Daily screening of all new referrals that come through our Duty system. This includes referrals from health (including GP’s and hospitals), other teams within LBN such as Children’s Services and housing, out of borough cases that may require thorough background research, and self-referrals from residents and their carers and families.
- Taking phone calls from the general public, giving advice to residents and families about what support is available to them within LBN social services as well as having knowledge of charities and other partner organisations within Newham.
As a Social Care Officer, you will need to be able to make judgement calls with your line manager on the appropriateness of the referral, the type of support that you feel the resident requires, and signpost accordingly. Most of the role will be over the telephone and virtually, however you may be asked to undertake emergency home visits if and when required.
There is a strong commitment to supporting professional development, to improve services and outcomes for vulnerable people. As a Social Care Officer, we know that you want to make a difference and working in Newham you will be given support and opportunity to do so.
About You
We are looking for a passionate, dedicated and curious team member, who is happy to work autonomously whilst knowing when to escalate in a busy and fast-paced team, and has the ability to effectively prioritise.
An understanding of the social determinants of mental health issues is desirable along with the complexities that may go with it including physical health, drug and alcohol issues, forensics issues, antisocial behaviour, and housing issues that may impact on a person’s well-being.
You will have strong IT skills, strong communication skills both verbal and written, and be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team. You will also have an understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act which are the statutory legislation used to undertake decisions about care needs.
The successful post holder must be willing to work within a hybrid model (home and workplace), be doubly vaccinated against Covid-19 and have a current DBS.
If you would like more information about this post, please contact Nnenna Ezeogu, email Nnenna.Ezeogu@newham.gov.uk
Closing date 30.06.2026
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Social Care Officer in London employer: Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is an exceptional employer for Social Care Officers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and the well-being of both employees and the community. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and anti-racism, staff are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying flexible working arrangements in a dynamic team environment. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from opportunities to engage with diverse populations and collaborate with health colleagues to enhance mental health services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Care Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care field, especially those who work in mental health. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those phone interviews! Since most of the role involves communication over the phone, practice answering common questions clearly and confidently. You want to sound as passionate about helping others as you truly are.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge! Brush up on the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these topics during interviews will show that you're not just interested, but also informed and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Care Officer. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the Care Act 2014 and your ability to work with vulnerable individuals.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for social care shine through in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in people’s lives, especially in mental health support. Share any relevant experiences that fuel your passion for this field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your language is straightforward. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you meet the criteria for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Newham
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your understanding of the framework you'll be working within.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
As a Social Care Officer, you'll be dealing with vulnerable individuals. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and understanding, especially in challenging situations.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since most of the role involves phone calls and virtual interactions, practice clear and concise communication. You might even want to do mock interviews with friends to refine your verbal skills.
✨Research the Organisation
Get to know the London Borough of Newham and its social services. Understanding their values and mission will help you align your answers during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
