At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with mental health needs through assessments and person-centred care.
- Company: Hackney Council, a vibrant and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Other info: Flexible working options and support for career growth available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: AMHP qualification or working towards it, plus experience in mental health settings.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for Discharge Social Workers and Community Social Workers. Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.
The Integrated Mental Health Service (IMHS) is part of Hackney Council Adult Social Care and works in close collaboration with East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), under Section 75 partnership arrangements. The service aims to ensure residents receiving support from secondary mental health services are provided with coordinated, person-centred support in line with the Care Act 2014.
We are currently recruiting for two Discharge Social Workers and three Community Social Workers to join our newly developed teams. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work within an integrated and multidisciplinary environment focused on recovery, safeguarding, reablement, hospital discharge, and promoting independence for adults with mental health needs across Hackney.
This role requires extensive experience within a mental health setting combined with experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Experience of making full psycho-social assessments and writing reports is also essential. You will be Social Work England registered and have a CQSW/DIPSW and AMHP qualification or equivalent. Evidence of continual professional development is also key. Please note: an Enhanced DBS is required.
Experience of working with adults with mental health needs in a health or social care setting; strong understanding of prevention, reablement, and recovery-focused approaches; experience of supervising, mentoring, or supporting staff in a team environment; excellent communication and organisational skills; and the ability to build positive relationships are required. A relevant vocational qualification in health or social care is an advantage. Please indicate if you are AMHP qualified or working towards becoming an AMHP.
Key Responsibilities- Provide older people with mental illness and carers presenting to the service with a clear and accurate assessment with the principles of personalisation within The Care Act 2014; ensure that care and support is person-centred and as far as possible places people in control of their own lives.
- Carry out assessments of need in accordance with The Care Act, plan and deliver services and review outcomes with the individual, their personal networks and support providers.
- Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, conduct interviews, observations and gather information from service users, families and other agencies.
- Carry out enquiries under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 if it is believed that an adult is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect. Social workers within Mental Health services must possess a high level of knowledge and skills within the safeguarding arena to ensure a high standard of enquiries and investigations.
- Work with other agencies to ensure service users receive their desired outcomes under the Making Safeguarding Personal guidance.
- Support service users and carers, identify and utilise strengths and work integrated with other agencies and voluntary sectors to ensure good outcomes, which, as far as possible, maintain independence.
- Maintain a good working knowledge of The Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act/DOLS and other social care legislation.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We welcome applications from disabled people and those interested in flexible working.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.
Social Worker (AMHP) – Adult Social Care in London employer: Hackney Borough Council
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and residents. With a strong commitment to professional development and a focus on integrated, person-centred care, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with mental health needs. Located in the heart of London, Hackney provides a dynamic environment where diverse communities thrive, fostering collaboration and innovation within the multidisciplinary teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (AMHP) – Adult Social Care in London
✨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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Social Worker (AMHP) – Adult Social Care in London
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 Hackney Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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.
