Job Details
Work Pattern: 37 hours per week
PAYE Pay Rate: £17.17 per hour
Job Purpose
The Social Work Assistant will support older people experiencing mental ill health to overcome difficulties, maintain their independence and improve their coping skills.
Working as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team, the postholder will assist with assessing needs, risks and support options, coordinating care and support, reviewing services and contributing to safeguarding adults at risk.
The role will involve working closely with individuals, families, carers, health professionals and other agencies to provide a strengths-based, person-centred and outcome-focused service.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the assessment of individuals’ needs, risks and care requirements.
- Assist with the development, implementation and review of care and support plans.
- Manage and prioritise an allocated caseload of varying complexity.
- Support older people with mental ill health to maximise independence and develop coping skills.
- Work with families and carers to identify and address their support needs.
- Contribute to adult safeguarding and respond appropriately to concerns of abuse or neglect.
- Work within relevant legislation, policies and procedures, including the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and Mental Health Act requirements.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, discharge planning, best-interest meetings and Continuing Healthcare assessments.
- Work collaboratively with health professionals, social care colleagues and external agencies.
- Contribute to decisions around appropriate care packages and services within agreed budgets.
- Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records and reports.
- Provide clear written and verbal information regarding casework and assessments.
- Support individuals to make informed decisions and participate in planning their own care.
- Attend supervision, appraisal and team meetings.
- Use Council information systems effectively and maintain confidentiality and information security.
- Promote equality, anti-discriminatory practice and high-quality customer-focused services.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and requirements of the service.
Typical Day
A typical day could include reviewing and prioritising a caseload, speaking with service users and carers, completing assessments, reviewing care plans, attending multidisciplinary meetings and liaising with health and social care professionals.
The role may also involve supporting hospital discharge planning, assessing risks and safeguarding concerns, arranging appropriate care and support, completing case records and reports, and discussing complex cases with a Social Worker or Team Manager through supervision.
Key Skills & Experience
- Experience working with older people and/or people experiencing mental ill health.
- Experience managing a caseload and balancing competing priorities.
- Understanding of adult safeguarding and risk assessment.
- Knowledge of social care legislation, policies and procedures.
- Understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to produce clear and accurate case records and reports.
- Strong assessment, analytical and advocacy skills.
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with vulnerable adults, families and carers.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and multi-agency environment.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while recognising when advice or supervision is required.
- Competent use of IT and case management systems.
- Non-judgemental, caring and person-centred approach.
Essential Requirements
- Good general education.
- Relevant experience working with people with mental ill health, preferably within social care, health or community services.
- Experience managing a caseload of varying complexity.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant social care legislation and safeguarding procedures.
- Understanding or experience of working under the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007).
- Ability to undertake assessments, identify risks and contribute to care planning and reviews.
- Ability to work effectively as part of an integrated multidisciplinary team.
- Full valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to work outside normal office hours when required.
- Commitment to equality, safeguarding, partnership working and high-quality service delivery.
Desirable
- Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification.
- Best Interest Assessor (BIA) qualification.
- Experience within older people’s mental health services.
- Experience of hospital discharge planning.
- Welsh language or relevant community language skills.
- Experience working across health and social care organisations.
Apply
To apply for this job email your details to recruitment@carringtonblake.com.
