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- Tasks: Support older adults with mental health conditions through assessments and collaborative care.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in Berkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a pension scheme, and access to a free gym.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while growing your career in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract for maternity cover until July 2026.
We have a fantastic opportunity available for a highly motivated Social Worker to join our proactive Community Older Adults Mental Health (COAMH) Team in Adult Social Care, here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full Time, fixed term contract to provide maternity cover (Until July 2026).
As the Social Worker, you will work with older adults (over 70 years old) with a diagnosed mental health condition, who are receiving support from the wider Older People's Mental Health Team and/or being discharged from Prospect Park Hospital. You will have a small, managed case load with excellent management support. The team is made up of social workers, social care practitioners, mental health practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, SALT and community support workers.
The Social Worker will work jointly with a mental health practitioner for each of their allocated clients, responsible for Care Act statutory duties, whilst the Mental Health Practitioner remains responsible for the mental health elements of their clients' care. You will experience direct work with customers and collaborative working, alongside your colleagues in the Older People's Mental Health team as well as diverse teams including the EAST Social Care Team, First Contact Duty Team, Reviews, Hospital Discharge, OT's and TEC. There is an excellent opportunity to specialise and advance within a certain field, such as dementia.
We want to see you thrive at Wokingham Borough Council, and pride ourselves on the opportunities to train and progress throughout your career. We offer flexible working arrangements, with the option to hybrid work between home and the office in addition to the necessary in-person meetings and assessments.
Benefits
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (rising to 35 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays.
- Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme.
- An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline.
- A range of local & lifestyle discounts.
- Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office).
- Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes.
- And much more!
Key Responsibilities
- To work in accordance with the Care Act 2014 to assess or reassess the needs of customers and their carer's, offering access to support services in line with their eligible needs.
- To proactively contribute to the development of the team, working creatively to support strong local networks to help identify how specific the needs of our customers could be met in different ways.
- To work in a person-centred way, ensuring that individual dignity is maintained, cultural and communication needs are addressed, and choices and aspirations are acknowledged and heard.
- To promote a strengths-based model of care and approach to assessing a broad range of needs, in line with the Care Act 2014.
- To ensure that you bring forward good ideas, offer creative solutions, challenge areas where the Council can improve, and to contribute to the Council's ongoing success.
Candidate Requirements
- Social Work qualification (degree or diploma) and registered with Social Work England.
- Full EU driving licence (and access to the daily use of a car).
- Experience of using standard Microsoft programs and specialist client record systems.
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Naomi Henderson, Team Manager, COAMHs via email.
Closing date: 13th April 2025, 11pm. Interviews: TBC.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Social Worker - Community Older Adults Mental Health (COAMH) employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Community Older Adults Mental Health (COAMH)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Care Act 2014, as this is a key aspect of the role. Understanding its principles will not only help you in your day-to-day responsibilities but also demonstrate your commitment to person-centred care during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of older adults' mental health. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with current social workers and mental health practitioners. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with collaborative working. The role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past roles, particularly in a multi-disciplinary setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wokingham Borough Council's initiatives and values. Being knowledgeable about their community projects and how they support older adults will show your genuine interest in the position and align your values with theirs during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Community Older Adults Mental Health (COAMH)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Social Worker position. Understand the key responsibilities and candidate requirements, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your social work qualifications, experience with older adults, and any relevant mental health training or certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with older adults and your understanding of mental health issues. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and complete. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Community Older Adults Mental Health team. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these responsibilities, especially around the Care Act 2014.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to work with older adults and manage mental health conditions. Highlight any collaborative work you've done with other professionals, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
✨Emphasise Person-Centred Care
Be ready to discuss your approach to person-centred care. Share how you ensure individual dignity and address cultural and communication needs, as this is a vital aspect of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured within the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
