At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with substance misuse issues in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with diverse individuals in challenging situations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with ASYE completed and experience in adult safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30078 - 36762 £ 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 Social Worker, who has completed the ASYE, to assess the needs of adults with problematic substance use, 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. There will be the opportunity to offer informal advice and guidance to unqualified staff.
Who is the person:
You will be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE. You will have experience of working with adults ideally in a fieldwork setting, within the sphere of safeguarding adults, whilst some experience of working within substance misuse services would be desirable. With a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the legislative frameworks that underpin practice, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, you will have robust, comprehensive skills in risk management and the ability to assess, plan and record sensitive information and data.
The role requires an individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who is able to work creatively with a diverse range of people, sometimes under challenging circumstances. You will be advocating for individuals and carers using a problem-solving approach and possess good assessment skills. The ability to negotiate, work creatively and flexibly with an aptitude for innovative decision making is needed to achieve the best possible outcomes. You will be able to work autonomously and be responsible for managing your own caseload and deadlines whilst maintaining case records.
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Social Worker (Substance Misuse) in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that prioritises respect, integrity, and collaboration. As a SEN Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs, while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment. Located in the vibrant city of Portsmouth, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic SEND developments and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to service improvement and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 (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 Portsmouth City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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.
