At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to valuing every individual.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while challenging stigma and discrimination.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Workers with a passion for supporting mental health and addiction issues.
The predicted salary is between 40501 - 47639 £ per year.
Salary: £40,501 – £47,639
Hours: 36 per week
Positions Available:
- 1 x FT Permanent Post (36hrs per week) – Southeast MHSM: Ballanden House (28-32 Howden St, Edinburgh EH8 9HL).
- 1 x FT Permanent Post (36hrs per week) – Northwest MHSM: Craigroyston Health Clinic (1b Pennywell Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1PH).
- 2 x FT Permanent Post (36hrs per week) – Southwest MHSM: Westerhailes Healthy Living Centre (30 Harvesters Way, Edinburgh EH14 3JF).
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Service, whose main aim is to support and achieve positive outcomes with individuals and their families who experience issues and barriers to living healthy lives in relation to substance use and/or mental health. Working in partnership with a variety of agencies both internal and external, we undertake a wide range of statutory and non‑statutory tasks, placing the people we work with firmly at the centre of everything we do. We adopt a trauma‑informed approach and understand how quickly forming strong working relationships can impact outcomes.
We welcome applications from both experienced and newly qualified social workers, especially those who are passionate about working with people experiencing mental health or addiction issues and willing to challenge the stigma and discrimination often faced by these client groups.
Core responsibilities:
- Undertake statutory tasks including assessments, support planning, risk assessment, risk management, and Carers' assessments.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support adults, their families and carers, balancing risk and need with choice and rights.
- Provide advice, support, guidance and intervention where necessary, e.g. for adults at risk of harm under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 or Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.
- Participate in regular supervision and training within a supportive, well‑established team.
Pre‑employment checks: This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. You must join the PVG Scheme or undergo an update check. If you have spent three months or more outside the UK in the last five years, you must provide an Overseas Criminal Record Check. An unconditional offer requires satisfactory completion of these checks.
Qualifications and experience: Qualified Social Workers committed to making a real difference, energetic, imaginative, creative and resilient. Experience with trauma‑informed, relationship and strengths‑based social work is preferred. Adherence to the Social Care (Self‑directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 is expected.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care‑experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation. Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Where an applicant meets the minimum job criteria, they are guaranteed an interview.
We value your privacy; therefore, your information will be treated as per the Data Protection Act 2018.
Contact: Gemma Kapusciak, Social Work Team Leader – gemma.kapusciak@edinburgh.gov.uk
For more information about equalities commitments, see our equality page. We assess your behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility throughout the interview process. Salary increments are awarded annually until the top of the range is reached. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed.
Social Worker (MHSM) - Multiple Locations across City employer: Diversity Dashboard
Join a dedicated team within the Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Service, where your work will directly contribute to improving the lives of individuals and families facing mental health and addiction challenges. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer regular supervision, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Edinburgh, our multiple sites provide a collaborative environment where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (MHSM) - Multiple Locations across City
✨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 Diversity Dashboard.
✨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 Diversity Dashboard!
✨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 Diversity Dashboard, 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 Diversity Dashboard 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 Social Worker (MHSM) - Multiple Locations across City
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 Diversity Dashboard:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Diversity Dashboard! 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 Diversity Dashboard
✨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.