At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents and manage complex cases to promote well-being.
- Company: Join a diverse and vibrant community-focused borough in Kingston.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with experience in adult social care and legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About The Borough
Found in zone 6 with good transport links in and out of London, Kingston is a vibrant and diverse university town which creates the rich sense of community shared across the borough and its residents. Kingston boasts an idyllic riverside location, good shopping and great restaurants, as well as a mix of modern and historic town centre. Kingston has lots of open parklands and cycle routes that help connect the district town centres into an enjoyable place to live and work.
Mission
We are passionate about working closely with our residents and vulnerable groups to help them maintain their independence and create a balance between support and independent living.
Role Overview
We are looking for a motivated and experienced social worker who is willing to join the team to make a positive change in people’s lives. The successful candidate will manage complex cases, provide statutory interventions, and lead team safeguarding while mentoring and supporting less experienced practitioners. This role focuses on promoting the well-being of Kingston residents and supporting the team to achieve high performance while assisting vulnerable residents in accordance with relevant legislation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Working with the team manager and senior practitioners to maintain team performance and allocate cases.
- Managing budget responsibilities and approving care plans, Care Act Assessments, care reviews, and Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interest Meetings.
- Conducting regular supervision with qualified/unqualified staff and support staff.
- Maintaining staff motivation and contributing to staff retention.
- Managing a complex caseload in adherence to the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
- Liaison with health partners (GP, MH, hospitals, CHC) to work collaboratively and facilitate discharges.
- The role might entail attending Court of Protections proceedings.
About You
Essential Requirements:
- Registered with Social Work England.
- Sound knowledge and experience with the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and other relevant legislation.
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles and application of excellent adult social care.
- Ability to manage competing demands and complex caseloads, and support the team leader and senior practitioners.
- Proven experience in building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong literacy, numeracy, interpersonal, and IT skills.
- Ability to collaborate on case allocation with the manager and senior team.
- Ability to work in the office twice a week as per the team's charter.
Desired Experience:
- Experience supervising staff members.
- Budget responsibility experience.
- Experience of working with people living with dementia.
Benefits
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 25‑32 days, plus bank holidays (pro‑rata if part‑time working hours apply) depending on service and grade.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependants leave.
- Three volunteering days per year in Kingston.
- Hybrid working (dependent on the role).
- Flexible and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses.
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest‑free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.
Closing
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received, and it is strongly advised that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Background
We are a diverse and welcoming borough and we strive to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve. We celebrate and respect differences and appreciate the value of having a diverse workforce. We are proud to be a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for a role. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer all our employees are guaranteed the London Living Wage regardless of their length or type of contract.
Senior Social Worker/Dementia Specialist in Kingston upon Thames employer: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
At our organisation, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of both our employees and the community we serve. Located in the vibrant borough of Kingston, we offer generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, extensive learning and development opportunities, and a commitment to employee health and wellbeing. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rich work-life balance in a picturesque setting.
Contact Details:
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker/Dementia Specialist in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with dementia care. They might know about job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex cases in the past and how you can contribute to the well-being of Kingston residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! If you've supervised staff before, be sure to highlight this experience during interviews. It’s a big plus for roles that involve supporting less experienced practitioners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker/Dementia Specialist in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Social Worker/Dementia Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in managing complex cases and working with vulnerable groups can make a positive impact. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your strengths and how you fit into our mission at Kingston.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working, and it demonstrates your commitment to providing excellent adult social care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've managed complex cases or supervised staff. Highlighting your experience with dementia care will also set you apart, as it's a key aspect of this role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their team dynamics and how they support staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves liaising with health partners and collaborating on case allocations, be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in teams before. Share examples of how you've built effective relationships with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
