Social Worker - Working Age Mental Health Southern team

As a Social Worker, you will be responsible for providing a statutory social work service to individuals seeking or requiring specialised mental health services. You will work in partnership with the newly formed mental health hospital discharge hub including completion of all statutory work such as Care Act assessments, s117 aftercare planning meetings, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Assessments, Best Interest Meetings, , sec 21 A Dols challenge as well as any other social care related tasks and functions., For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Sarah Rawson (Team Manager) at . For issues or queries regarding your application please contact . To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check. West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.

The role will require a proactive approach and the ability to work effectively under pressure to ensure that all aspects of the individual's needs are addressed and integrated into the discharge process. You will contribute as part of a dedicated small team operating county-wide, specifically focused on discharge responsibilities. Your office based will be in Littlehampton, with opportunities to work hybrid from home part of the week. You will need to take an organised approach whilst exercising your expertise with knowledge of policies and legislations to support those in need. There will also be a requirement for you to work flexibly to support customers, carers and families, sometimes out of normal office hours. You will be required to travel county wide, including to locations that are not always easily accessible by public transport so it is desirable for you to have a driving licence. Experience and Skills Key Skills & Qualifications (please cover with examples within your application as these are the short-listing criteria): 1. Experience of working proactively as a member of the team to make an accurate strengths-based assessment of needs and negotiate and implement effective plans and outcomes (in line with relevant legislation), working in partnership with carers, colleagues and a variety of external agencies to meet people's outcomes. 2. Experience of applying a risk enablement approach and using evidence-based practice. 3. Experience of analysis and interpretation of people related information and data to prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision. 4. Experience of contributing to or undertaking safeguarding enquiries. 5. Ability to provide informal supervision and develop the capabilities of less experienced social care practitioners, and to mentor and coach students and apprentices. 6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders to provide clear advice and guidance and interventions. 7. Ability to recognise the limits of own accountability and responsibility, know when to seek appropriate support, advice and supervision, and to prioritise and organise work and meet agreed performance expectations. 8. Sound and accurate IT skills to ensure effective record keeping, compliant with data protection and respecting confidentiality.,

• Degree in Social Work or a recognised equivalent Social Work qualification e.g., Diploma in Social Work.
• Registered with Social Work England
• Approved Mental Health Practitioner (it is a requirement to have AMHP qualification or to be working towards the qualification to be complete within 2 years of appointment and to maintain level of knowledge).
• Experience of undertaking assessments and social work intervention planning, implementation and review by means of creative and pragmatic solutions.
• Experience of working in partnership with those who access the service and maintaining a focus on the needs and strengths of the people, and the outcomes they want to achieve, whilst handling conflict and disagreement
• Experience of managing risk within a risk enablement approach
• Good, up-to-date working knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005) etc.
• Valid, full driving licence. Desirable
  
  Working for us at West Sussex County Council is all about making a positive difference to the people of West Sussex. The Working Age Mental Health Southern team (Worthing) has a vacancy for a full time qualified Senior Social Worker.
The team will work alongside our partner agencies including Children's Social Care, Health, SPFT and Third Sector organisations such as Turing Tides. The team is responsible for providing Care Act assessments, Safeguarding Enquires, Mental Capacity assessments and providing professional support to our customers in the Worthing area who have complex mental health needs.