At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with substance misuse issues and promote their independence through tailored interventions.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a leader in local government services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to manage diverse caseloads and collaborate with various agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, multi-disciplinary team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult social care and strong assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
There are exciting changes within substance misuse recovery services. We are expanding our provision to improve capacity and quality which this post will be part of and co-located with new mental health practitioner posts, in a multi-disciplinary team based within the Recovery Hub in Southsea. This team will directly support those individuals or families accessing the Recovery Hub with multiple needs, as well as working alongside the Recovery Workers, providing advice and guidance.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Social Worker to assess the needs of adults with problematic substance use and their Carers, to then identify creative ways to meet their assessed outcomes under the Care Act 2014. The role includes outcome led interventions, using a strength-based approach to support people to live their lives. You will work collaboratively with others, maintaining a strength based and aspirational approach to achieve the outcomes the person wants. You will be assessing clients needs and agreeing a person-centred support plan, completing reviews of assessments and support plans as required. You will be supporting people with all their health, mental health and social care needs in a recovery focused way, promoting independence. Working with a wide range of services and agencies, you will be supporting both crisis management and mental capacity when required. You will have extensive experience of supervising staff and be responsible for managing your caseload. In addition, you will chair or support other staff to chair multi-agency risk management meetings.
Who Is The Person Summary
You will be a qualified and experienced Social Worker registered with Social Work England. With excellent assessment and supervision skills you will have a thorough knowledge of Adult Social Care eligibility criteria, Continuing Healthcare processes, and the legislative frameworks that underpin practice, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act. In addition, you will have post-qualifying qualifications, such as Best Interest Assessor (BIA) or Practice Educator.
The role requires a practitioner who is committed to delivering personalised, strengths-based approaches that promote independence, choice and positive outcomes for adults. With a comprehensive awareness in safeguarding practice you will be able to apply legislation, policy and professional judgement effectively to support individuals. Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities are required, enabling you to work collaboratively with service users, families and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
You will be able to manage a varied caseload efficiently, managing competing demands and changing priorities while maintaining high standards of professional practice. Good written communication and evidence-based recording skills are required, ensuring that case records are accurate, robust and suitable for legal proceedings where necessary. The ability to communicate confidently and effectively, including managing challenging situations and resolving conflict, is essential.
Senior Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Portsmouth employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Portsmouth
✨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 Local Government South East.
✨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 Local Government South East!
✨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 Local Government South East, 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 Local Government South East 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 Senior Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Portsmouth
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 Local Government South East:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Local Government South East! 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 Local Government South East
✨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.
