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 commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Registered with Social Work England and experience with relevant 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 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 residents of Kingston. With generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to professional development, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our vibrant location offers a rich blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to live and work.
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
✨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 opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle complex cases and support your team. Practise your responses so you can showcase your knowledge of the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for community work! When you get the chance, share stories about how you've made a positive impact in previous roles. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're the right fit for Kingston's vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of Kingston residents.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker/Dementia Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work and supporting vulnerable groups shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to help residents maintain their independence.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially with the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex cases, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills in this area.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
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’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-life scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've managed complex cases or supervised staff. Highlighting your experience with dementia care will also set you apart, so think of relevant stories that demonstrate your skills.
✨Team Player Mindset
This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss how you’ve built effective working relationships in the past. Share examples of how you’ve worked with health partners or mentored less experienced practitioners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
