Mental Health Social Worker

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted Gym Membership

Professional supervision

Ongoing training including AMHP/BIA

Staff recognition and development

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is seeking a Primary Care Network Social Worker to join neighbourhood teams and drive prevention, integration and community wellbeing.

You will base at Daisyfield Mill, Appleby Street, Blackburn, with a neighbourhood assignment and hybrid working. The role requires social work registration, AMHP/BIA expertise and ability to balance independence with MDT collaboration.

Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England.
• Experience in mental health and social care with a strengths-based approach.
• Ability to work autonomously within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Willingness to undertake AMHP and Best Interest Assessor roles.

Responsibilities

• Carry out high-quality assessments and care and support plans.
• Work within the Primary Care Network and multidisciplinary teams.
• Prioritise caseloads using job planning and manage risk appropriately.

Skills

Social Work Registration

Autonomy

Teamwork

AMHP

BIA

Driving licence

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Terms and Conditions: Full time, 37 hours per week

Department: Adults & Health

Interview Date: TBC

Primary Care Network Social Worker working closely with neighbourhood partners in Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen have exciting new opportunity for a mental health social worker to be based within the primary care network (PCN) community hubs and to be part of the multi-disciplinary teams promoting the prevention, integration and development of community wellbeing for the residents of the borough as part of the wider transformation for mental health and the integrated health, care and community agenda. Whilst the base will be Daisyfield Mill, Appleby Street, Blackburn, BB1 3BL you will be assigned to a neighbourhood area so that you can really collaborate with partners.

It’s a demanding job within a busy service, no two days are the same but we’ve got a really supportive team and strong multidisciplinary working practices in place.

What do we need from you?

• Genuine interest and passion in working with people from a strengths based approach with a willingness to support people’s independence, resilience and ability to make informed choices for themselves about their mental health and well-being.
• Relevant mental health and social care experience. (We will offer posts to ASYE’s with the right skills at interview).
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team ensuring the best outcomes for residents of Blackburn with Darwen.
• We are keen to attract AMHPs and BIAs and recognise the specialist skills, expertise and legal knowledge you bring to the team.
• You will have experience of working with people of varying care & support needs and be able to implement the Care Act 2014; completing high quality assessments and care and support plans.
• The Primary Care Network Post, is a really great opportunity to work with people in a preventative way, signposting and supporting people to engage with the support that is available in their neighbourhoods.
• You will manage a realistic caseload using job planning and be able to prioritise your work dependent on need and risk and at all times be flexible and responsive to the people you support and your colleagues.
• You will need to be registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England (or be close to if a final year social work student).
• You will also need a clean driving licence and access to a car.

Through the direct actions of social care staff, our objective is to ensure Blackburn with Darwen citizens requiring services and support receive the following outcomes for themselves wherever possible:

• To live a healthy, safe life and to be in control of their care needs.
• To be an active member of their community.
• To live in their own home, which they manage.
• To have a private family life including meaningful adult relationships.
• To be treated with dignity and respect.
• To have their own money and to choose how to spend it.

In return we will provide you with:

• Professional and timely supervision.
• Clear expectations and regular appraisal to celebrate what you have done well.
• Peer support from a well-established and experienced team.
• Commitment and support to your continuous professional development and access to excellent training including Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), Best Interest Assessor (BIA) and Practice Education.
• Focus on well-being.
• Opportunity to embrace new technologies and work outside of the box.
• Hybrid Working.
• Diverse workforce.
• Competitive Salary.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Discounted Gym Membership and a host of other rewards available to Blackburn with Darwen staff.
• Being proud to work in a top performing Local Authority.
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme for Lease Cars.

Salary will be negotiable based on skills and experience.

We have recently been through a period of restructure and change and sought feedback from our staff who described the team as welcoming, friendly, diverse, supportive, respectful and happy. Staff told us that the team is a really good place to work, where they enjoyed their role, with supportive colleagues and great managers.

The Government has confirmed plans to reorganise local government across Lancashire. From April 2028, the current 15 councils will be replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire.

If you're successful in your application, you'll initially join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. As part of the reorganisation, your employment will transfer to the new East Lancashire council from April 2028.

We're committed to continuing to deliver excellent services throughout this transition. By joining us now, you'll be part of an important period of change and have the opportunity to help shape the future of local government for local communities.