At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with disabilities and mental health needs through complex case management.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a transformational council dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, management support, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker; AMHP qualification is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We Are St Helens Borough Council located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire. St Helens is a transformational Council which is passionate and ambitious for the communities we support. We provide a wide range of local authority services to the residents, businesses, schools, and visitors to the borough. We can only do this because of our highly valued, highly skilled workforce.
Adult Social Care and Health Senior/Social Worker, Working Age Team
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join and be part of the Working Age, Adult Social Work Team on a permanent basis. We welcome applications from experienced Social Workers. The Working Age Social Work Team is responsible for adults from the age of 18 to 67 with a Learning Disability, Physical Disability, or a Diagnosis of a Severe and Enduring Mental Health Need. The team is also responsible for the statutory provisions under the Mental Health Act 1983 and runs the Council's AMHP rota.
The Social Work team is extremely busy, and the work undertaken is complex and challenging. As a Social Worker on the team, you will be expected to carry a complex caseload made up of all the different client groups the team works with. You will also be undertaking investigations under Safeguarding, Assessments including those under the Care Act, Care Planning and Reviewing. The team also undertakes a huge amount of legal work and has an excellent working relationship with the Council's Legal Team.
The team works very closely with colleagues in Merseycare, and we have a social work presence in all the Merseycare in-patient wards across the whole footprint of the Merseycare region. We are also proud to have implemented a new Homelessness Social Work post, which works with the homelessness population in St Helens. This post is attached to the Social Work team but operates within the outreach service, YMCA, and Salvation Army.
The successful candidate will also have an opportunity to develop their social work skills and knowledge by supporting the AMHPs when undertaking Mental Health Act Assessments in the community and hospital settings. The AMHP rota is managed by our AMHP Lead and runs until 8pm Monday to Friday, so there may be times when you are asked to work past your normal working hours. An additional £4,000 payment is paid to those who are AMHP qualified. £2000 of this allowance is currently reviewed every two years, with the next review due March 2027. Please note, staff receiving AMHP allowance would not receive recruitment and retention allowance.
We welcome applications from qualified AMHPs, BIAs and Practice Educators or applicants willing to undergo the specific training. In return, you will be provided with management support from our team of four managers and you will be part of a very supportive team, receive monthly supervision, informal supervision, appraisals, one-to-one support and monthly team meetings, and have access to ongoing training and development. A full driving license and access to a car is essential to this role.
This is an Enhanced Disclosure post. St Helens Council is officially recognised as one of the region's leading fair employers, achieving accredited status under the Liverpool City Combined Authority Fair Employment Charter. The Charter recognises the ongoing commitment to fair pay, secure work, training & progression & staff well-being whilst celebrating employers who go above and beyond for their workforce providing an inclusive and supportive environment.
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection. All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles.
Senior/Social Workers employer: St Helens Borough Council
St Helens Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong emphasis on professional development, staff well-being, and fair employment practices, the Council offers numerous opportunities for growth and training within the dynamic field of social work. Located in the vibrant Northwest, close to major cities, employees benefit from a collaborative culture and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Social Workers
✨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 St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough 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 Senior/Social Workers
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 St Helens Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough 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.
