At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support mental health services, guiding teams and improving care.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to innovative and supportive mental health care.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, relocation support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values empathy and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health social care and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
Lancashire County Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Social Care Lead to support Adult Mental Health services across the North locality, including Lancaster and Morecambe CMHT, Fylde and Wyre CMHT, the Hospital Discharge Team (IDT), and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing leadership and professional guidance across mental health social care services
- Supporting complex case decision‑making, particularly in relation to discharge, risk management, and statutory frameworks
- Leading and contributing to service improvement and transformation activity
- Strengthening multi‑agency working across the Council, NHS partners, and external providers
- Supporting workforce development and embedding best practice
Qualifications and Experience
- Significant experience within mental health social care
- Ability to operate confidently at a senior level across multiple teams and services
- Strong leadership, professional judgement, and problem‑solving skills
- Capability to influence across organisational boundaries and deliver service improvement
Employment Conditions
International sponsorship is not currently available for this role. Applicants must be registered with Social Work England (SWE) if applying as a Social Worker, or must have applied to register with SWE. The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Successful candidates will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service for a disclosure.
Benefits
- Up to 32 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season, with the option to purchase additional leave
- Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution
- Relocation reimbursement for those needing to move to the area
- Comprehensive training and development via the Social Care Academy and ongoing professional development programmes
- Wellbeing Support Programme for staff and families
- Access to employee discounts through Vivup, covering car leasing, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more
Values and Culture
The Council values supportive and innovative thinking, empathy, and respect. Our diverse workforce is supported through forums and networks such as FABEE, the Disabled Workers Forum, and the LGBTQ+ Employee Network.
Additional Conditions
Can provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and be insured for business use.
Mental Health Social Care Lead | Full Time, Permanent | Adult, Health & Wellbeing employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits including up to 32 days of annual leave, comprehensive training through the Social Care Academy, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role as a Mental Health Social Care Lead in North Lancashire provides a meaningful opportunity to make a significant impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Social Care Lead | Full Time, Permanent | Adult, Health & Wellbeing
✨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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Mental Health Social Care Lead | Full Time, Permanent | Adult, Health & Wellbeing
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 Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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.
