Senior Social Worker/Social Worker/Newly Qualified Worker

Job description

INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

Job title: Social Worker - All levels

Salary: SO1 - PO3 £34,434 - £46,142

Hours: 37 / 37 pro rota

Contract: Permanent/ Temporary

Location: Leeds

About the role

We have exciting opportunities for Newly Qualified Social Workers, Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join our Learning Disability Service.

Whether you are starting your social work career or looking to build on your existing experience, you will play a vital role in supporting adults with learning disabilities to live meaningful lives, achieve their goals and have a voice in decisions about their care and support.

For Newly Qualified Social Workers, we offer a structured and supportive Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, delivered alongside experienced Advanced Practice Leads and Learning and Development colleagues. This provides a strong foundation for developing confidence, skills and professional practice.

As a Social Worker, you will manage a varied and rewarding caseload, working with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies to assess needs, manage risk, develop strengths-based support plans and promote positive outcomes. You will undertake a range of statutory duties, including safeguarding enquiries, Mental Capacity Act assessments, care and support planning, and reviews.

As a Senior Social Worker, alongside managing complex work, you will provide practice leadership and support the development of others through mentoring, coaching, practice education and assessment. You will play an important role in promoting high-quality practice and supporting continuous learning within the team.

Our social workers are part of a strong multi-agency network across Leeds, working closely with health colleagues, providers and community organisations to deliver person-centred support. We value professional curiosity, reflective practice and collaborative working, recognising that the best outcomes are achieved when people, families and professionals work together.

You will be supported by experienced Team Managers, Senior Social Workers, Advanced Practitioners and Safeguarding and Risk Managers who are committed to creating a positive learning culture. We strive to provide the right balance of support and challenge, with clear opportunities for development and progression throughout your career.

Above all, this is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities while developing your own skills, knowledge and professional journey within a supportive and ambitious service

Our Better Lives Strategy sets out our ambition for improving lives in Leeds. We want people with care and support needs to be able to do the things that matter to them and live in a good home within a caring community. It's about more than social care, it's a council-wide initiative so that services will work together to make a real difference to individuals and their communities.

About you

As a Learning Disability Social Worker, you will bring to the role:

• Degree or equivalent in Social Work
• Registered with Social Work England
• Have an interest in working with people who have a learning disability
• An enthusiasm to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

For Senior Social worker, you should also be

• Practice Educator Level 2 or equivalent, or be willing to undertake this on appointment (funded by us)

You will bring to the role

ASYE Social Worker

• Knowledge and understanding of current learning disability practice and the role of multidisciplinary working, including statutory, voluntary and community organisations.
• Skills in assessment, care planning, intervention and evaluation to support adults with learning disabilities to achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience of adopting a person-centred approach, using creativity in problem solving and applying reflective practice to support professional development.
• A commitment to learning and development, including successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme.

In addition to the above, Social Workers will bring:

• A minimum of two years' post-qualifying social work experience.
• The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partner agencies, individuals, families and carers.
• Experience of chairing meetings, coordinating multi-agency working and representing the Council in a range of professional settings.

In addition to the above, Senior Social Workers will bring:

• The ability to lead, motivate, mentor and supervise others to deliver high-quality social work practice.
• A commitment to the ongoing professional development of both themselves and others.
• The confidence to provide practice leadership, support decision-making and promote continuous improvement across the service.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact:

Holly Smith, Katrina Newby or Eileen Noland ( LD Team Managers) on 0113 3784700 or [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy .

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

With the support and guidance of the Team Manager, you will provide a high-quality, strengths-based social work service to adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers. Working within statutory frameworks, organisational policies and professional standards, you will assess needs, manage risk, promote wellbeing and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes and greater independence.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and local communities to deliver person-centred support, ensuring practice is informed by relevant legislation, policy and best practice. At all times, you will carry out your responsibilities in accordance with Leeds City Council's values, policies and procedures, and the professional standards set by Social Work England

Responsibilities

The duties outlined below are not exhaustive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the service, provided they remain consistent with the grade and purpose of the post.

• Manage a varied and often complex caseload of adults with learning disabilities, undertaking assessments, support planning, reviews and risk management in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies to identify strengths, needs and desired outcomes, promoting choice, independence and wellbeing.
• Undertake person-centred Care Act assessments and develop, implement and review care and support plans that reflect assessed needs and available resources.
• Safeguard adults at risk by undertaking enquiries, assessing and managing risk, and working within local and national safeguarding procedures.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and professionals across health, social care, housing, education, advocacy and voluntary sector organisations to deliver coordinated support.
• Provide direct intervention, advice and support to individuals, families and carers, helping them to make informed decisions and access appropriate services and community resources.
• Analyse complex information, exercise professional judgement and make evidence-based decisions in relation to care planning, risk management and safeguarding.
• Maintain accurate, timely and professional records, assessments and reports in accordance with legislative, organisational and professional requirements.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, assessments and case records, contributing to legal and formal processes where appropriate, with support from experienced colleagues.
• Develop knowledge and experience in applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and best interests decision-making, undertaking assessments appropriate to your level of experience with support, guidance and supervision from experienced colleagues.
• Commission, monitor and review services and support arrangements, ensuring they deliver positive outcomes and represent value for money.
• Participate in the screening of referrals and respond to urgent situations through duty arrangements, assessing risk and implementing appropriate interventions.
• Contribute to service improvement by identifying opportunities to develop practice, improve processes and promote innovative approaches to supporting people.
• Work in accordance with relevant legislation, professional standards, policies, procedures and the Social Work England professional standards.
• Make effective use of supervision, continuous professional development and reflective practice to maintain and enhance professional competence.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring anti-discriminatory and strengths-based practice in all aspects of work.

Specific Responsibilities for Experienced Social Workers

In addition to the responsibilities of an ASYE Social Worker, experienced Social Workers will:

• Following a minimum of two years' post-qualifying experience and with appropriate support and supervision, undertake Mental Capacity Act and Best Interests Assessments in accordance with relevant legislation, completing assessments and associated documentation within statutory timescales and making recommendations regarding authorisations and representation where required.
• Lead and contribute to complex assessments, care planning, risk management and decision-making in relation to adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers.
• Manage a complex and varied caseload, exercising professional judgement and autonomy within legislative, policy and procedural frameworks.
• Chair multi-agency meetings, coordinate professional involvement and contribute to the development of effective plans that promote positive outcomes and independence.
• Undertake specific pieces of work on behalf of the Team Manager relating to service improvement, customer feedback, complaints, projects and practice development, making recommendations to improve service delivery.
• Contribute to the development of community capacity and promote creative, strengths-based approaches to supporting individuals and families.
• Prepare high-quality assessments, reports and professional documentation, and where required provide evidence in court, tribunals or other formal proceedings.
• Work effectively within legal processes and court proceedings, seeking and implementing legal orders where appropriate and with the required support.
• Support the learning and development of students, trainees, newly qualified social workers, social work assistants and support staff through guidance, mentoring and the sharing of professional expertise.
• Contribute to the development of practice learning opportunities, including supporting student placements and helping to create positive learning environments.
• Take an active role in professional development, reflective practice and service improvement, contributing to the continued development of high-quality social work practice across the service.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker

In addition to the responsibilities of a Social Worker, Senior Social Workers will:

• Provide professional advice, guidance and practice support to colleagues, including Newly Qualified Social Workers, Social Work apprentices and other practitioners, promoting high-quality, strengths-based practice.
• Take a lead role in supporting and developing less experienced staff through supervision, mentoring, coaching and reflective practice.
• Undertake the role of Practice Educator and support the development of practice learning opportunities, including coordinating and maintaining high-quality student placements and practice learning environments.
• Support students, trainees and apprentices through induction, supervision, assessment and ongoing professional development, ensuring learning opportunities are maximised.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues involved in complex legal proceedings, including Court of Protection and other court-related work.
• Chair complex multi-agency meetings and provide professional leadership in situations involving significant risk, complexity or competing views.
• Support decision-making and risk management across the service, providing advice and consultation to Social Workers, and unqualified staff.
• Lead on complex assessments, safeguarding enquiries and interventions involving individuals with significant, complex or challenging needs who may present a risk to themselves or others.
• Promote good practice through the application of legislation, policy, research and professional standards, contributing to service improvement and practice development.
• Assist Team Managers in maintaining high standards of practice, quality assurance and continuous improvement across the team.
• Contribute to workforce development through training, workshops, practice development activities and the sharing of professional expertise

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

• A recognised Social Work qualification (BA, BSc, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Registration with Social Work England upon appointment and a commitment to maintaining professional registration throughout employment
• Experienced Social Workers: Practice Educator Level 1 award on appointment, with a commitment to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed timescale.
• Senior Social Workers: Practice Educator Level 2 award, or a commitment to achieve this within an agreed timescale following appointment

Essential Requirements

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Skills required

• Ability to plan, prioritise, manage and evaluate work effectively.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and competing demands.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to share information clearly, accurately and sensitively with individuals, families, carers, colleagues and partner agencies.
• Ability to build positive and effective relationships with individuals, families, carers and professionals from a range of organisations.
• Ability to identify and implement appropriate social work interventions that promote positive outcomes.
• Ability to develop, implement and review care and support plans.
• Ability to undertake person-centred assessments and work collaboratively with individuals and groups.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, assessments and case documentation in line with legislation, policy and professional standards.
• Ability to use information technology effectively to record, evidence and communicate work.
• Ability to exercise professional judgement, assess and manage risk, and seek advice appropriately.
• Ability to make effective use of supervision to reflect on practice, explore different approaches and understand professional accountability.
• Ability to develop safeguarding knowledge and investigative practice.
• Ability to chair routine and less complex meetings effectively.

Knowledge required

• A recognised Social Work qualification (BA, BSc, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Knowledge of social work theories, models and interventions relevant to individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and policy relating to adults with care and support needs.
• Understanding of the factors that can affect individuals and families, including domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health and social exclusion.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory, voluntary and community organisations.
• Competence in the use of IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications, email and case management systems.
• Knowledge of current social care legislation, policy, professional standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of confidentiality, information governance and professional boundaries.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and responsibilities.
• Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion and their impact on local communities.
• Strong written communication and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to undertaking and successfully completing the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme (where applicable).

Additional Requirements for Social Workers

• Successful completion of the ASYE programme.
• Minimum of two years' post-qualifying social work experience.
• Willingness to undertake Best Interests Assessor training and qualification where required

Additional Requirements for Senior Social Workers

• Practice Educator Level 2 or a commitment to undertaking Practice Educator Level 2 training.
• Evidence of recent and relevant continuing professional development.

Experience

• Experience of working in a person-centred and strengths-based way.
• Experience of using creativity and professional curiosity to solve problems and achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience of promoting advocacy and involving people in decisions about their lives and support.
• Experience of applying reflective practice to inform decision-making and planning.
• Experience of producing clear, accurate and professional records, assessments and reports.
• Experience of gathering and analysing information to inform assessments and recommendations.
• Experience of making effective use of supervision.
• Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing support plans

Additional Experience for Social Workers

• A minimum of 2 years post-qualifying experience in a statutory social work setting
• Experience of working effectively in partnership with other agencies and professionals.
• Experience of managing a complex and varied caseload within legislative, policy and procedural frameworks.
• Experience of applying reflective practice to support professional judgement and decision-making.
• Experience of producing high-quality reports, assessments and case records

Additional Experience for Senior Social Workers

• Significant experience of working within a statutory social work setting.
• Experience of supervising, mentoring, supporting and developing qualified and unqualified staff.
• Experience of providing professional guidance, practice leadership and support to colleagues.
• Experience of supporting learning and development through coaching, mentoring or practice education.

Essential behavioural and other characteristics

• Demonstrate Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct in all aspects of your work.
• Be committed to continuous improvement and contributing to the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving communities, and a resilient and sustainable city.
• Understand and work in accordance with Leeds City Council's policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Take personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
• Engage positively in appraisal, training and development activities to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, treating people with dignity, respect and fairness at all times.
• Work in an anti-discriminatory manner and actively challenge discrimination, racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation and all forms of abuse, reporting concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Be flexible and adaptable in responding to changing service needs and priorities, undertaking duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
• Take responsibility for your own professional development and continuously seek opportunities to improve practice.
• Work within the Council's flexibility protocol and support collaborative ways of working across services.

Desirable requirements

Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

• Possession of a full current driving licence

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