Social Worker - DGA13498

The Adult Support and Protection Team offers an interesting variety of casework as the team works with Adults affected by a variety of issues, including Abuse, Incapacity, Mental Health, Substance Use, Self Neglect, Domestic Abuse, and Exploitation. We are a Team that is committed to the inclusion of our workforce to help improve Standards and Service Delivery, where Adults at Risk are at the centre of what we do. To support this, we utilise a trauma informed approach to our engagement with Adults, whilst adhering to Human Rights based Legislation. We have a strong focus on relationship and strengths-based practices.

We offer the use of an Artificial Intelligence powered tool which with the consent of the Adult is used in Social Care to record and transcribe conversations, creating summaries, and first drafts of case notes and/or assessments. It helps Social Workers reduce time spent on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more time on client interactions. The Adult Support and Protection Team was the first to pilot and evaluate this tool in Dumfries and Galloway. The evaluation has evidenced significant benefits to Staff’s health and well-being allowing better work-life balance, a reduction in work related stress as well as crucial time for self-reflection and self-development.

You will be a member of the Adult Support and Protection/Adult Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) which covers the whole of Dumfries and Galloway. This is a busy but supportive multi-agency team, and you will work closely with our colleagues from Police and Health. The Team comprises of 12 Social Workers, 6 Assessment and Support Coordinators, 5 Senior Social Workers, a Team Manager and a Social Work Manager.

You will be a qualified Social Worker with a minimum of one year’s practice who has either undertaken Council Officer training or willing to undertake this training on appointment. You will be required to undertake initial inquiries under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 as well as Investigations, chairing Core Groups and taking part in Adult Support and Protection Case Conferences as well as creating and reviewing Protection Plans. You will be committed to the development of the service and to producing the best possible outcomes for our service users in partnership with our Police and Health colleagues. You will have an excellent knowledge of the Adult Support and Protection legislation and be able to undertake complex work. You will be required to work at all times under the guidance of a Senior Social Worker who will allocate work as appropriate.

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 risk and adversity on our service users and their carers and be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of advocacy services. A DipSW/CQSW/CSS qualification or equivalent is essential as is registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.

The post is currently with the regionwide MASH team, however, in accordance with service need there may be occasions when you are asked to support one of our other Social Work Teams. 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. A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post.

A relocation package may be available on appointment of up to £5000. 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 800 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.

For further information please contact Shona McDowall, Social Work Manager, Donna Fisher, Team Manager or Amy McKinnell Senior Social Worker for ASP/MASH on 030 33 33 3001.