At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and support social workers in delivering timely mental health services.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow's dedicated Mental Health Social Work Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to lead a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with extensive knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding procedures.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
London Borough of Harrow is looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our Mental Health Social Work Team. The post holder will manage Front Door referrals, provide advice and support to social workers and care managers in the team on casework so that incoming referrals are acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. You will also support the Team by acting as the Safeguarding Adults Manager (formal SAM role under the multi-agency London procedures) as required and act as Duty Manager when needed. Furthermore, you will supervise the staff, manage performance reviews and ensure strength-based practice, support and deputise the Team Manager when needed, liaising with both internal and external colleagues and partnership agencies as appropriate.
About You
- Extensive knowledge of the legislation/policies that relate to the Adults agenda.
- Detailed working knowledge of secondary mental health services.
- Significant experience working with legislations such as Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS.
- Detailed working knowledge of the London multi-agency guidance/procedures for safeguarding adults and “Making Safeguarding Personal”.
- Experience of providing professional supervision to social workers, care managers, and/or students.
- Qualified Social Worker (MSW, BA / BSC SW, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Ability to travel for business purposes.
This post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
Senior Practitioner - Learning Disabilities & Mental Health in London employer: Harrow Council
The London Borough of Harrow is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a Senior Practitioner in the Mental Health Social Work Team, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on strength-based practice and safeguarding, this role not only enhances your career but also allows you to contribute positively to the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Learning Disabilities & Mental Health 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Senior Practitioner - Learning Disabilities & Mental Health 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 Harrow Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Harrow 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 Harrow 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.
