Social Worker - DGA12613

Job Description

Social Worker – Adult Learning Disability (2) West Team/East Team

Various locations in Dumfries and Galloway

£42,894 – £45,990

This is a time of significant change for Social Work Services in Dumfries and Galloway. There are real opportunities to contribute to service delivery and development. An exciting opportunity has become available to work within a Learning Disability Complex Care and Support Team which covers the whole of the region. Two additional social worker posts have been created to support the expansion of the Complex Care and Support Team, progress the implementation of D&G HSCP Complex Needs Plan, and deliver a high-quality service. The team works with those with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism or other neurodivergent conditions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team which has strong social work principles and values, and is motivated, committed, and enthusiastic about the adults and families they work with. The team is creative, and solution focussed, where innovative ideas which will improve our service are welcomed. There is a defined culture of learning and practice development within the team, as well as a focus on supporting staff wellbeing and morale. Our team comprises of 10 social workers, 7 Assessment and Support Coordinators, 3 Senior Social Workers, 1 Team Manager and 1 Social Work manager.

The Team is split into East and West LD Teams. The East LD Team covers Nithsdale, Annandale & Eskdale and the West LD Team cover, Wigtownshire, and Stewartry, with office bases available in each of the localities.

You will be committed to the development of the service and to producing the best possible outcomes for our service users in partnership with other statutory and third sector partners. Your primary responsibility will be to assess the needs and risks of /to service users in their own homes, hospitals, and supported/ residential homes. This is done in conjunction with service users, their families &/or carers and other members of the multi-disciplinary team in the community.

Requirements

Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and complex needs would be beneficial. Knowledge of community services in the statutory, third and independent sectors for adults with complex needs would also be beneficial. You will also have good organisational and administrative skills, be able to build and sustain professional relationships across all of our partner agencies and be able to work productively and effectively in a team context. Finally, you will also have a clear understanding of the impact of disability on our service users and their carers and be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of advocacy services.

You will be expected to practice using protective legislation, in particular the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 in addition to Community Care Legislation. A good working knowledge of Self- Directed Support would also be valuable. You will need to have excellent communication, assessment, analytical and organisational skills.

You will need to prepare assessments of need and risk and be able to prepare plans that flow from these. You will be committed to evidence-based practice and will receive good support, regular supervision and practice development sessions, and opportunities for learning and training. A Dip/SW/CQSW/CSS qualification or equivalent is essential as is registration with the Scottish Council for Social Services.

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence, consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

Responsibilities

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over eight hundred discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity, and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness, and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

Previous applicants need not apply.

For further information please contact Laura Copland, Senior Social Worker for the East or Ann Dodds, Senior Social Worker for the West on

Laura Copland – 07834567906 and Ann Dodds – 07920817639

. An informal chat or visit with either team can be accommodated.