Social Worker — Community Addiction Services (Adults) in Livingston

Social Worker — Community Addiction Services (Adults) in Livingston

Livingston Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
West Lothian Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide assessment and care management for adults facing addiction challenges.
  • Company: Join a supportive team within West Lothian's Community Addiction Services.
  • Benefits: Permanent position with flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Work across various locations in West Lothian, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a fulfilling environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in social work or equivalent required; SSSC registration needed.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

36 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Permanent.

In West Lothian we believe that all children should get the best start in life and should get the help they need when they need it. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Social Worker to join our Community Addiction Service, within the Social Work Team. The team is considered under Adults Social Work as part of a specialist West Lothian Alcohol and Drug Partnership, in a multi-disciplinary team, along with NHS.

Using a trauma informed approach, you will be required to provide an Assessment and Care Management Service to a range of adult users. You will work primarily with service users with alcohol related brain disease, issues with substance use and the effects of this. It will be your role to assess and manage risk under Adult Support and Protection legislation and deliver these services in accordance with current legislation and council policies, procedures and standards.

The work is challenging, varied and fulfilling, and the successful applicants will join a motivated and supportive team. We use knowledge and experience to offer harm reduction, crisis intervention and referrals to other agencies including third sector partners and rehabilitation preparation.

The team consists of two Social Workers, along with Addiction Workers who provide specialised assessment and support to parents who use alcohol and substances. There is also an Addictions Worker who is based within homeless accommodations offering signposting and brief interventions as required.

The post service hours are weekdays between 9.00am and 5.00pm. This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulates you must submit your application within three months of your start date. If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account.

This post is considered Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scotland Act 2007. 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 by West Lothian Council.

A degree in social work or equivalent is essential. All team members will work at various locations across West Lothian, with their main base being at West Lothian Civic Centre. Any home working will be arranged with the line manager as required.

Any further questions please contact - Angela Bakhsh, Social Work Manager - Angela.Bakhsh@westlothian.gov.uk

Social Worker — Community Addiction Services (Adults) in Livingston employer: West Lothian Council

West Lothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Social Workers in the Community Addiction Services. With a focus on employee growth and development, our team benefits from a trauma-informed approach to care, ensuring that staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults facing addiction challenges. Located in the heart of West Lothian, we provide flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in social work.

West Lothian Council

Contact Details:

West Lothian Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Worker — Community Addiction Services (Adults) in Livingston

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Community Addiction Services. They can give you insider info on what it's really like and might even put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on trauma-informed approaches and current legislation related to adult support and protection. Show us you know your stuff and are ready to hit the ground running!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job openings—create your own opportunities! Volunteer or intern in similar roles to gain experience and make connections that could lead to a full-time position with us.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our motivated and supportive team.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker — Community Addiction Services (Adults) in Livingston

Assessment and Care Management
Trauma Informed Approach
Risk Assessment
Knowledge of Adult Support and Protection Legislation
Harm Reduction Strategies
Crisis Intervention
Referral Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Worker in Community Addiction Services. We want to see how you can bring your unique perspective to our team!

Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you're passionate about working in addiction services. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to helping adults facing substance use challenges. We love to see genuine enthusiasm!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.

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 position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of community addiction services and the specific challenges faced by adults with substance use issues. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches and relevant legislation, as this will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in social work, particularly any roles that involved risk assessment and care management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals facing addiction or related challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability and passion for the job.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions that show your interest in the team and the work they do. Ask about their approach to collaboration with NHS and third sector partners, or how they handle crisis intervention. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the team is the right fit for you.

Be Yourself

While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The team is looking for someone who will fit in well, so being genuine and approachable can make a big difference. Share your motivations for wanting to work in this field and how you connect with the mission of helping those in need.