At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents and manage complex caseloads while promoting well-being.
- Company: Join the Kingston Hub, a dedicated team focused on social care excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on support and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Kingston residents while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Care Act 2014 and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role and our Ideal Candidate
This role focuses on promoting the well-being of Kingston residents and supporting the team to achieve high performance while assisting vulnerable residents in accordance with relevant legislation.
- Working with the team manager and senior practitioners to maintain team performance and allocate cases.
- Managing budget responsibilities and approving care plans, Care Act Assessments, care reviews, and Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interest Meetings.
- Conducting regular supervision with qualified/unqualified staff and support staff.
- Maintaining staff motivation and contributing to staff retention.
- Managing a complex caseload in adherence to the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
About You
- Sound knowledge and relevant work experience on the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and other relevant legislation.
- Demonstrable understanding of the principles and application of excellent adult social care.
- Managing competing demands and complex caseload and support team leader and other senior practitioners in running the team.
- Demonstrable experience of creating effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
- Strong literacy, numeracy, interpersonal and IT skills.
- Liaison with legal and attendance to Court of Protection Hearing if needed.
- Candidate will work alongside the manager and other seniors in doing case allocation.
- Candidate to liaise with Mental Health services to discuss joint approaches.
- Candidate to be able to work in the office twice a week as per the team\'s charter.
- Ideally the candidate would have experience of supervising staff members and budget responsibility.
About Us
The Kingston Hub is dedicated to supporting vulnerable residents who require assistance under the Care Act 2014.
Our high-performing team consists of 15 qualified and unqualified members, senior practitioners, and a team manager. We all uphold the STAR Values, striving to be Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, and Respectful in our daily work.
Our staff responsibilities include conducting Care Act Assessments, care reviews, Mental Capacity Assessments, and Best Interest Meetings. We also collaborate with colleagues in other teams/departments to implement care services.
We work closely with GP practices and health colleagues to provide an integrated service, participating in Proactive Anticipatory Care meetings and facilitating hospital discharges for Kingston residents under Discharge to Assess pathways.
Additionally, our team addresses Safeguarding enquiries and promotes residents\' wellbeing. We conduct enquiries to protect vulnerable adults who are experiencing or at risk of abuse and neglect, ensuring they receive appropriate support, information, and advice.
Our social workers also complete CHC Checklists, attend DSTs, and work with colleagues in the ICB.
We are committed to providing information, advice, and signposting to external agencies whenever necessary.
Mental Health Specialist Social Worker in Kingston upon Thames employer: Kingston Council
The Kingston Hub is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Mental Health Specialist Social Workers. With a strong emphasis on professional development, we offer opportunities for staff to grow through regular supervision and team collaboration, all while upholding our STAR Values of Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, and Respectful. Located in Kingston, our team not only addresses the needs of vulnerable residents but also enjoys a culture that prioritises well-being and integrated care, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Specialist Social Worker in Kingston upon Thames
✨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 Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Kingston 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 Mental Health Specialist Social Worker in Kingston upon Thames
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 Kingston Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kingston 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 Kingston 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.
