At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in mental health hospitals to ensure safe and smooth discharges.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to inclusive and flexible working.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and flexibility.
- Other info: Travel across Kent required; embrace diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 2 and commitment to Level 3.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Early Discharge Planning Team is KCC's acute mental health hospital discharge team. The team works with adults who are inpatients in Acute Mental Health Hospitals in Kent and including some out of area hospitals.
Our mission is to help people leave hospital safely and smoothly, working closely with NHS partners, Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and other agencies. We believe in a joined-up, person-centred approach, making sure every discharge is safe, timely, and tailored to individual needs.
You must possess:
- Diploma in Health & Social care level 2
- Working towards/commitment to undertake Level 3
- GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and English
- A good working knowledge of the relevant Social Care and mental health legislation, policy, guidance, and Codes of Practice.
This is a permanent full-time role. The Service is based at Littlebrook Hospital in Dartford, Kent but you will be working flexibly across a wide geographical area, including from home so the ability to travel in a timely manner according to business need is essential.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please note: This is a countywide role and will require the successful applicant to travel across all parts of Kent as needed. Applicants who do not hold a driving licence must be able to demonstrate their ability to plan effectively and travel efficiently throughout the county.
For an informal conversation about these roles please feel free to get in touch with Szilvia Mackenzie - Team Manager at szilvia.mackenzie@kent.gov.uk.
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Social Work Assistant - Early Discharge Planning Team in Dartford employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant - Early Discharge Planning Team in Dartford
✨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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Work Assistant - Early Discharge Planning Team in Dartford
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 Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County 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 Kent County 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.
