At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments, manage caseloads, and collaborate with health partners to support individuals.
- Company: Join a transformative Mental Health and Substance Misuse Team focused on innovative practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, work-life balance, and comprehensive employee support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and AMHP training support available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping positive change in mental health services.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience in a UK-based adults' statutory setting required.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
Joining our Mental Health and Substance Misuse Team as a qualified and experienced Social Worker, you'll bring creativity, compassion and a strong commitment to person centred, strengths-based practice.
You'll be part of a supportive team that values collaboration, shared learning and continuous professional growth, with plenty of opportunities for training and development.
Our Mental Health Service is entering an exciting period of transformation, reshaping how we work and adopting innovative, needs led approaches to improve outcomes for the people we support.
You'll play an active role in this evolving landscape - contributing to new ways of working, strengthening collaboration with health partners, and helping us enhance our engagement with individuals who are hardest to reach.
It's a great opportunity to be part of a service that's moving forward and to help shape positive change through your day-to-day practice.
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.
- Experience working in a UK-based adults' statutory setting.
- 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.
Why join us?
- Excellent
- Practice
Validation: Progress to a Senior Social Worker role through our Excellent Practice Validation programme.
Our Senior Social Workers are paid a market supplement of £3,000 per annum.
- AMHP pathway: We'll support you to complete your AMHP training and give you the opportunity to complete AMHP work alongside your Social Work duties.
When you've completed your AMHP training, you'll be eligible for a market supplement of up to £2,500 per annum.
- Professional development: Continuous learning and supportive supervision.
- Work-life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life.
- Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.
Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Welfare Worker, Social Services, Case Manager, Social Work Practitioner.
Social Worker (Mental Health) in Reading employer: Job Traffic
Join a dynamic team as a Landscape Supervisor where your passion for landscaping will be nurtured and valued. Our company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for skill development and leadership training. With competitive pay, a bonus scheme, and a commitment to work-life balance, we ensure our employees thrive both personally and professionally in a vibrant outdoor environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Mental Health) in Reading
✨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 Job Traffic.
✨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 Job Traffic!
✨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 Job Traffic, 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 Job Traffic 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 (Mental Health) in Reading
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 Job Traffic:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Job Traffic! 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 Job Traffic
✨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.
