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- Tasks: Support adults facing substance misuse challenges through assessments and tailored care plans.
- Company: Join the Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £3,000 retention bonus, 40 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a supportive team focused on personal development and social change.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work is preferred, but not essential; passion for helping others is key.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for funded training and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 37766 - 51127 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults facing substance misuse challenges? Do you have the expertise and compassion to provide vital support to residents in Richmond and Wandsworth? If so, we invite you to join our dedicated Substance Misuse Team.
The Richmond and Wandsworth substance misuse team aims to support adults with drug and alcohol needs which are impacting on the person’s ability to meet their social care needs. We provide holistic support grounded in social work practice through working with partner agencies including the NHS to support prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The team is based in the wider mental health service within Adult Services.
We are looking for experienced social workers with a passion to work within substance misuse, with the ability to think creatively while ensuring our statutory responsibilities are met. To apply for this role, although desirable, you do not require previous experience within substance misuse.
The substance misuse team supports the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. The role is hybrid based in Wandsworth and Richmond councils and working from home.
About the Role
- Work with adults whose primary social care needs are impacted by substance use.
- Provide a duty function/front door service, offering advice, signposting, screening, and risk assessments.
- Conduct Care Act assessments, developing strength-based support plans tailored to individual needs.
- Undertake initial care reviews and complex case management.
- Fulfill statutory safeguarding duties, including screening concerns and conducting Section 42 enquiries.
- Work collaboratively with health professionals, housing services, the voluntary sector, and key partners.
- Carry out carers assessments, ensuring close support for carers.
- Empower service users to have choice and control over their care while ensuring safety and proportional support.
- Undertake mental capacity assessments and facilitate best interest meetings and decisions.
- Handle complex case work such as Court of Protection work.
- Complete assessments for and facilitate residential rehabilitation placements.
Why Join Us?
We are committed to supporting and developing our team members. Here’s what we offer:
- £3,000 retention bonus for qualified staff (awarded every two years).
- Regular reflective supervision and peer group support.
- Bespoke Personal Development Plans tailored to your career goals.
- Fully funded training opportunities, including pathways in Practice Educator, Leadership and Management, Best Interest Assessor, Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), Coaching and Mentoring and Adults Safeguarding at Risk.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in substance misuse social work and be part of a supportive, progressive team, we would love to hear from you.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Substance Misuse Social Worker employer: LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
Contact Detail:
LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Substance Misuse Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by adults dealing with substance misuse in Richmond and Wandsworth. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in substance misuse social work. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, which can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in social work, even if it’s not directly related to substance misuse. Emphasising transferable skills such as case management and collaboration with health professionals can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by researching common scenarios in substance misuse cases. Being ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations can showcase your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Substance Misuse Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly any roles that involved substance misuse or mental health. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping adults facing substance misuse challenges. Mention your understanding of the role and how your values align with the mission of the Richmond and Wandsworth substance misuse team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as risk assessment, care planning, and collaboration with health professionals. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated in your documents.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES & LB WANDSWORTH
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Substance Misuse Social Worker does. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as conducting Care Act assessments and working collaboratively with health professionals.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine passion for helping adults facing substance misuse challenges. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this career path, as this can resonate well with interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex cases. Think about past experiences where you've successfully managed difficult situations and be ready to discuss them.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working with various partner agencies, emphasise your teamwork and collaboration skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively worked with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
