At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments, manage caseloads, and support colleagues in a dynamic mental health team.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to mental health and substance misuse, fostering continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with 80% remote options and opportunities for ongoing training and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a compassionate and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England; experience required.
- Other info: Work across Hampshire with a mix of office and community-based tasks.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Joining our Mental Health and Substance Misuse Team as a qualified and experienced Social Worker, you’ll be innovative, person-centred and committed to working in a strengths-based way. You’ll enjoy working in a team that thrives on supporting each other, sharing experiences and learnings to encourage continuous improvement. We have varied experience and backgrounds across the team, with regular opportunities for training and ongoing development.
What you’ll be doing:
- Conducting comprehensive assessments of individuals' needs and available support.
- Managing a complex caseload whilst providing supervision for Case Workers and Senior Case Workers and practice advice on complex cases.
- Participating in duty to triage urgent cases as well as triaging safeguarding referrals and making informed decisions.
- Liaising with colleagues in Health to facilitate hospital discharges.
- Holding forensic cases and working closely with the Ministry of Justice.
What we’re looking for:
- Social Work qualification and registered with Social Work England (SWE).
- Due to the needs of the team, we’re unable to consider Newly Qualified Social Workers for this post.
- A sound understanding of how to apply a strengths-based approach.
- Understanding of social work issues, legal frameworks and social services’ statutory duties.
- Commitment to demonstrating our values and behaviours, showing compassion, empathy and respect.
This role is based across Hampshire in the four Mental Health Team bases (Totton, Basingstoke, Havant and Andover). You will spend 20% of your week working in one of our four offices and the remaining 80% working in the community or remotely from home. Your work location will be flexible depending on the demands on the service.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Social Worker (Mental Health) employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Mental Health)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach, as this is a key aspect of the role. Consider how you can demonstrate your understanding of this methodology in practical scenarios during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles to gain insights into the team dynamics and expectations. This can help you tailor your responses to show that you’re a great fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing complex caseloads and providing supervision. Think of specific examples where you successfully navigated challenges, as this will showcase your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the legal frameworks and statutory duties relevant to social work in mental health. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Mental Health)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach and how it applies to mental health and substance misuse.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly in mental health and complex case management. Emphasise your qualifications, registration with Social Work England, and any specific training that aligns with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your commitment to the values and behaviours mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and understanding of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Strengths-Based Approach
Be prepared to discuss how you apply a strengths-based approach in your practice. Share specific examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to empower individuals and focus on their strengths.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Legal Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legal frameworks and statutory duties related to social work. During the interview, be ready to explain how these laws influence your decision-making and case management.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and other professionals, emphasise your teamwork skills. Discuss instances where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and judgement in complex situations. Practice articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to manage urgent cases or safeguarding referrals.