At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health conditions in community and hospital settings.
- Company: Join a dedicated social care team making a real difference in Devon.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 26 days annual leave, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive environment committed to diversity and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 46000 £ per year.
The Hospital Discharge role will be based in Crediton and the Community Work focused role will be based in Barnstaple and Bideford, with an expectation you may need to cover the whole of the North and Mid Devon catchment area. The successful candidate will be placed in an experienced social care team with a stable workforce who make a real difference to the lives of individuals with mental health conditions. Please state your preference for either Community Work or Hospital Discharge within your personal statement.
Responsibilities
- Work within the North and Mid Adult Mental Health Team, contributing to high-quality social care delivery and positive outcomes for service users.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policy and practice development and apply it to daily work.
- Engage in ongoing professional development and pursue post-qualifying opportunities as appropriate.
- Coordinate with colleagues to support individuals with mental health conditions in the community and hospital discharge settings as required.
Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker (CQSW, DipSW, BA Hons, MA or equivalent) and registered to practice with Social Work England (formerly HCPC).
- Completed the Assessed First Year in post-qualifying Social Work practice, if appropriate.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.
- Current full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Benefits and Additional Information
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
- Flexible working: hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours, etc.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; all staff and volunteers share this commitment.
- Role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
- Local Government Pension Scheme available.
- Devon offers a high quality living environment with various educational and lifestyle opportunities.
Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.
Mental Health Social Worker - Adult Social Care employer: Devon County Council
As a Mental Health Social Worker with Devon County Council, you will join a dedicated and stable social care team in the picturesque locations of Crediton, Barnstaple, and Bideford, where your contributions will directly enhance the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. The organisation prioritises professional development, offering flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for all employees. With generous annual leave and a strong local government pension scheme, this role not only provides meaningful work but also promotes a healthy work-life balance in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Social Worker - Adult Social Care
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Devon County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Devon County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Devon County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Devon County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Social Worker - Adult Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Devon County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Devon County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
