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 - 48000 £ 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.
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. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this method in your previous work experiences during any interviews.
✨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 approach and demonstrate your understanding of the team's culture during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current mental health policies and legal frameworks relevant to social work. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to tackle complex cases.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've managed complex caseloads and provided supervision in past roles. Highlighting your experience in these areas will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise your social work qualification, registration with Social Work England, and any experience managing complex cases or working in mental health settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your commitment to the values and behaviours outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you embody compassion, empathy, and respect.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and 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 work that highlight your ability to empower individuals and focus on their strengths.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working within a supportive team, emphasise your collaborative skills. Talk about experiences where you have successfully worked with colleagues to achieve common goals or improve service delivery.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Discussions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you manage complex caseloads. Prepare examples of challenging cases you've handled, including your decision-making process and how you provided supervision to others.
✨Understand Legal Frameworks and Statutory Duties
Brush up on your knowledge of social work issues and legal frameworks relevant to the role. Be ready to answer questions about statutory duties and how they impact your practice, demonstrating your understanding of the responsibilities involved.