Senior Practitioner

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, motivated, experienced senior practitioner to join the First Response Team. The First Response Team follows a prevent, reduce delay model and ensures a seamless journey through to adult social care. We connect individuals to the right service at the right time to promote and enhance an individual’s wellbeing.

The First Response Team is the second point of contact for all new referrals coming into Adult Social Care, the reporting of Safeguarding Adult Concerns, and the Local Authority’s duty for the provision of the AMHP service to coordinate assessments under the Mental Health Act (1983 as amended 2007). The primary role of the First Response Team is to screen and triage social care referrals through duty. The team manages short-term caseloads and conducts Care Act 2014 assessments to establish eligibility in line with statutory requirements using the appropriate legal frameworks: Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The First Response Team also screens and prioritises Adult Safeguarding concerns. The service provides a social work service to individuals with a diverse range of needs.

As a senior practitioner within the First Response Team, you will possess in-depth knowledge and practical skills required for the role. The senior practitioner will be expected to move to where the demands are within the service: FRT Duty manager, carers service etc. Your role will also involve supervision, leadership, mentoring, and expert oversight to the carers team, and to the wider First Response Social work team in the absence of the team manager.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking personalised Care Act assessments, Carers Assessments, Mental Capacity assessments, Best Interest decisions, safeguarding screenings, and S42 enquiries.
• Continuing Health Care processes and carers assessments.
• Working within key legislation including Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and Mental Health Act.
• Providing expert oversight and management of complex cases, reviewing and auditing the delivery of care packages to carers.
• Applying a strengths-based approach to practice ensuring people’s needs, rights, and aspirations remain central to your work.
• Working in collaboration with individuals, families, carers, and partner agencies to achieve holistic outcomes.

We are looking for a dedicated and resilient senior practitioner, with experience of supervising a staff team, working with adults with a range of complex needs, and knowledge of the carers service. A strong knowledge of Safeguarding and assessing risk is required. There is the opportunity to support/mentor ASYE and new staff.

What’s needed?

• Recognised social work qualification
• CSWE registration
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
• Knowledge of the equipment and adaptations criteria, assessment process, and provision
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, Government policy, and guidance in relation to social care, health, and housing
• Additional qualifications e.g. Post Graduate Certificate, Practice Educator, BIA, AMHP or a commitment to undertaking additional qualifications e.g. Post Graduate Certificate, Practice Educator, BIA, AMHP/equivalent experience in practice education or specialist area of practice

As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:

• 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
• Essential car allowance

Key Dates & Further Information: Interviews to be arranged. If you require further information please contact Mandy Roylance: service manager on 01925 443277. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment. DBS clearance is required. Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.