At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with mental health needs to live independently and safely.
- Company: Join Milton Keynes City Council, a dynamic and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, excellent pension, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in mental health and case management.
The predicted salary is between 36827 - 45011 £ per year.
We're recruiting Social Workers to join our Adult Social Care, Mental Health & Complex Needs team. We are a highly experienced, dynamic and critical team of Social Work Managers, Social Workers, Social Work Assistants and Support Workers delivering Adult Care Services under the Care Act 2014 and Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983/2007 to Service users with Mental Health difficulties and Complex needs. You will have the opportunity to contribute and further develop your skills in our specialist Mental Health areas.
The Mental Health and Complex Needs Team supports adults with mental health needs and complex circumstances to live as independently and safely as possible. The team works closely with individuals, their families, health services, and partner organisations to assess needs, develop support plans, and coordinate services that promote wellbeing, independence and positive outcomes. As a Social Worker, you'll play a vital role in supporting adults with mental health needs and complex circumstances to achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
Main Responsibility
- Lead and coordinate complex cases involving high levels of risk, including safeguarding enquiries under Section 42 of the Care Act.
- Undertake strengths-based assessments and develop outcome-focused support plans that promote independence and wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with individuals, families, health professionals and partner organisations to achieve positive outcomes.
- Assess and manage risk while making informed decisions within relevant legislation, policy and professional guidance.
- Maintain accurate case records, reports and assessments within agreed timescales.
- Participate in reflective supervision and apply learning, professional curiosity and continuous improvement to practice.
The Ideal Candidate
- A qualified Social Worker holding a recognised social work qualification and registered with Social Work England.
- With a strong understanding of strengths-based practice, you can work confidently with adults who have mental health needs and complex circumstances.
- Bringing experience of assessment, risk management and case coordination, you are able to make sound professional decisions within legal frameworks including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Human Rights legislation.
- Motivated by improving lives, you build positive relationships with individuals, families and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Equipped with excellent communication and recording skills, you can manage competing demands while maintaining high standards of professional practice.
- Committed to continuous professional development, you demonstrate our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative in everything you do.
Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle
To be successful in this role, you'll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If we offer you the role, we'll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We're unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received.
Safer Recruitment
Safer Recruitment applies to this role. This means that, before any appointment is confirmed, we'll carry out a range of pre-employment checks to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years.
- Excellent pension - everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can lease an electric or low-emission vehicle at a reduced cost through salary sacrifice, subject to National Minimum Wage and other eligibility requirements.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Why join us?
Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you.
Milton Keynes City Council is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We actively encourage applications from candidates who bring a range of perspectives, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it's time for a new role.
Social Worker - Mental Health Social Work Team employer: Milton Keynes City Council
Milton Keynes City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to reducing health inequalities, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while collaborating with diverse health bodies and local organisations.
Contact Details:
Milton Keynes City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Mental Health Social Work Team
✨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 Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City 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 Worker - Mental Health Social Work Team
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 Milton Keynes City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City 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.