Adults – Social Worker Mental Health (Grade 11)

Powys County Council; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wales is seeking a Social Worker with mental health experience. This role involves care coordination, ensuring holistic assessments for mental health needs, and active collaboration with other agencies. Applicants should have at least 12 months of relevant experience and a degree in Social Work. Flexible working arrangements are offered, with a competitive rate of approximately £35 per hour.

Qualifications

• At least 12 months post-qualifying experience working with people with mental health issues and their carers.
• Experience in undertaking assessments of need and managing risks.
• Experience of complex casework.
• Experience in care management across health and social care settings.

Responsibilities

• To ensure the needs of people with mental health and their carers are assessed holistically.
• Maintaining own allocated caseload.
• To assess risks to people with mental health issues and others.
• To make recommendations about allocating scarce resources.
• To ensure equal opportunity and respect for diversity.
• To ensure social inclusion of isolated and vulnerable people.
• Abuse of vulnerable adults is investigated.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies.
• Ensure accurate recording of decisions.
• Safeguarding the welfare of a vulnerable person at immediate risk of harm.
• Engaging in direct work with people with mental health issues.
• Completing assessment documentation in accordance with statutory guidance.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to organise, prioritise, and manage caseloads

Ability to build partnerships

Ability to manage crises and challenging behaviours

Commitment to equal opportunities and confidentiality

Knowledge of principles of social care legislation

Education

Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent

AMHP qualification or willingness to undertake training

Registration as a Social Worker with CCW/CQC

Job description

Social worker with Mental health experience required for care coordination – AMHP desirable. Base will be Newtown, 3 days per week but will consider compressed hours into 2 days. Flexible working available. Approx £35ph excluding agency fees, negotiable dependent on experience and AMHP qualification.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. To ensure the needs of people with mental health and their carers are assessed holistically, support negotiated, monitored and reviewed within the first six weeks.
2. Maintaining own allocated caseload.
3. To assess risks to people with mental health issues and others in a way that promotes independence of service users and their carers ensuring the necessary safeguards are in place.
4. To make recommendations about allocating scarce resources.
5. To ensure equal opportunity and respect for diversity and difference is promoted.
6. To ensure social inclusion of isolated and vulnerable people is promoted.
7. Abuse of vulnerable adults is investigated.
8. To work collaboratively with other agencies.
9. Accountable for actions through effective, accurate recording of decisions in line with policy and legislation.
10. Safeguarding the welfare of a vulnerable person at immediate risk of harm.
11. Engaging in direct work with people with mental health issues and carers to carry out assessments.
12. Seeking to enhance their problem-solving capacities to support maximum independence and choice.
13. Considering options to best meet assessed needs and assist in making informed decisions.
14. Undertaking the role of an AMHP.
15. Conducting Mental Capacity Act assessments and Best Interests decisions alongside advocates where appropriate.
16. Adopting a creative and holistic approach whilst exploring options.
17. Maximising financial and material resources available to service users from all sources.
18. Completing assessment documentation in accordance with statutory guidance, legislation, and departmental procedures.
19. Preparing court and other reports as required.

Experience:

• At least 12 months post-qualifying experience working with people with mental health issues and their carers.
• Experience in undertaking assessments of need and managing risks.
• Experience of complex casework.
• Experience in care management across health and social care settings.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of mental health needs and carers' needs.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Knowledge of current legislation, guidance, and best practices.
• Knowledge and implementation of the Mental Capacity Act.

Qualifications & Training:

• Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent.
• AMHP qualification or willingness to undertake training.
• Registration as a Social Worker with CCW/CQC.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to organise, prioritise, and manage caseloads.
• Ability to build partnerships.
• Ability to manage crises and challenging behaviours.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of principles of social care legislation.