At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities, ensuring their safety and independence.
- Company: Join Northumberland County Council, dedicated to creating opportunities for all generations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Driving license required; passionate individuals encouraged to apply!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 in social care or equivalent; experience with adults in social care is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Social Work Support Assistant, Adult Social Care
Fixed Term - 12 months, Full time (37 hours), countywide Learning Disabilities Team.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Work Support Assistant to join our Countywide Learning Disabilities team. We are looking for a passionate person, who is keen to deliver a high‑quality service to join our team.
About the role:
As a key worker for adults with care needs over 18 years of age, you will be the main point of contact for support and advice to them and their families. You will also lead in ensuring their safety in their day‑to‑day lives and help them live as full and independent a life as possible.
The role will include responsibility for completing needs assessments, taking into consideration safeguarding, reviewing the need for continuing healthcare and promoting self‑directed support.
You will work within the North Locality Team which includes social workers and care managers and will link closely with GP practices, Community Mental Health Services, Community Physical Health Services and District Nurses.
You will need to have a strong commitment to enabling and empowering service users to live independently in the community and help them think creatively about how they can do that. There will be a focus on managing risk and ensuring service users are protected from significant harm.
You will need to be able to work well within a team and independently, have good time‑management skills and an ability to prioritise. You also need strong interpersonal, advocacy and communication skills. Solid IT skills are needed to input, use and retrieve data and information although full system training will be provided.
The main responsibilities include:
- Carrying out assessments and working with service users to design solutions to meet their desired outcomes, seeking guidance from your Line Manager and colleagues where appropriate.
- Managing and planning such work in an effective way to allow the required monitoring and review of the outcomes achieved for an individual.
- Undertaking Carers' Assessments as part of the care management process.
- Carrying out Risk Assessments as part of the care management process.
- Participating in the Duty System to pick up ad‑hoc work, taking and processing information and acting on it under supervision as required.
- Taking part in shadowing of students, e.g. Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and newly appointed staff from other disciplines.
- Participating in discharge planning (from hospital) and care planning meetings.
- Ensuring all written and electronic records are maintained to organisational standards.
- Providing written reports, outcomes of assessments and recommendations.
- Advocating on behalf of service users.
Essential requirements:
- NVQ 3 in social care or equivalent.
- Experience of working with adults in a social care setting.
- Some knowledge of legislation relevant to mental health and adult social care.
- Some knowledge of, or experience of, working with people experiencing mental illness, learning disability and/or physical conditions in adults and older people.
- Due to the nature of this role, it is an essential requirement that the post holder has a valid driving licence and has access to a car they can use for work purposes.
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees).
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees).
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We have a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for.
If you need an alternative application format, please refer to our communication via Tribepad. You may contact Kevin Waggott at kevin.waggott@northumberland.gov.uk for further information.
Social Work Support Assistant in Blyth employer: North East Ambition
Northumberland County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for flexible working, we empower our Social Work Support Assistants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities while fostering a collaborative environment with health professionals. Join us in our mission to create a 'Land of Great Opportunities' for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Support Assistant in Blyth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Social Work Support Assistant. Understanding the nuances of needs assessments and risk management will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social care field, especially those who work with learning disabilities. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal and advocacy skills in any discussions or interviews. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals or families in need.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on relevant legislation and best practices in adult social care. This knowledge will not only enhance your confidence but also show your commitment to the field when speaking with potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Support Assistant in Blyth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Work Support Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in social care settings, particularly working with adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage assessments and advocate for service users.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to mention your strong interpersonal, advocacy, and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to support individuals and work effectively within a team.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a role that involves maintaining written records and reports.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Show Your Passion for Social Care
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in social care, especially with adults who have learning disabilities. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality service.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any previous roles or experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities of a Social Work Support Assistant. Be specific about your involvement in assessments, risk management, and advocacy, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with social work colleagues and health professionals, be prepared to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing risk or supporting a service user in crisis. Think through your responses in advance, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively.
