At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with mental health issues and manage complex cases in a collaborative team.
- Company: South Lanarkshire Council, committed to equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to improving community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and understanding of mental health legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 52392 - 53177 £ per year.
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by 19 July 2026 at 11:55pm. Please ensure that you read the full advert text and do not submit a CV, as these will be disregarded as they do not form part of SLC application process. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.
Location: Lanark Health Centre
Hours: 35hrs per week, permanent
Salary / Hourly Rate: £52,392 - £53,177
The post is required to assist with the CMHT to meet the statutory requirements of the Local Authority in relation to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, Adults Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. The role will involve managing high tariff cases under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, both civil and forensic cases, AWI and Adult Support and Protection legislation. This can include individuals who require a protection plan and effective case management under statutory legislation.
The post will require an individual with a range of knowledge and skills to enable them to manage a complex caseload. They will require to work with adults and older people with complex mental health issues and young adults with a mental health diagnosis transitioning from children and adolescent services to adult services. They will require to have an understanding of the relevant legislation and how this can be applied to the benefit of their client group.
The post will include the completion of new assessments of need, and developing care plans which encourage service users’ participation in their care, while encouraging independence and self-development. The post holder will be working within a Multi Disciplinary Team, and will therefore be a range of different disciplines and agencies to achieve the best outcomes for service users. The post holder will be required to keep and maintain accurate records, to ensure that others are fully aware of clients' current circumstances, emerging needs and support plans.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position.
Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Scotland Act 2020. This post is considered a Regulated Role with Adults, in respect of the Disclosure Scotland Act 2020. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with Adults. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made.
Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of three months in the past 10 years. Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.
The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under-represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care experienced background, who are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position. As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the Council is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile.
As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:
- Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
- To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
- Occupational sick pay
- Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
- Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
- Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)
SWRK 5015 - G3 Social Worker (Mental Health Officer) (605233) employer: South Lanarkshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Social Worker (Mental Health Officer) at the Lanark Health Centre, you will benefit from a comprehensive range of perks, including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and access to an award-winning pension scheme, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SWRK 5015 - G3 Social Worker (Mental Health Officer) (605233)
✨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 South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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 SWRK 5015 - G3 Social Worker (Mental Health Officer) (605233)
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 South Lanarkshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Lanarkshire 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 South Lanarkshire 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.
