Mental Health Specialist Social Worker

Kingston Council; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a social care practitioner to promote the well-being of residents and manage complex caseloads. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in supervising staff. This role contributes to a high-performing team dedicated to vulnerable residents' support and well-being through collaborative practices.

Qualifications

• Relevant work experience on the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads effectively.
• Experience in creating effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage budget responsibilities and approve care plans.
• Conduct regular supervision with staff.
• Liaise with Mental Health services.

Skills

Knowledge of the Care Act 2014

Understanding of Mental Capacity Act 2005

Strong interpersonal skills

Literacy and numeracy skills

IT skills

Job description

About the Role and our Ideal Candidate

This role focuses on promoting the well-being of Kingston residents and supporting the team to achieve high performance while assisting vulnerable residents in accordance with relevant legislation.

• Working with the team manager and senior practitioners to maintain team performance and allocate cases.
• Managing budget responsibilities and approving care plans, Care Act Assessments, care reviews, and Mental Capacity Assessments and Best Interest Meetings.
• Conducting regular supervision with qualified/unqualified staff and support staff.
• Maintaining staff motivation and contributing to staff retention.
• Managing a complex caseload in adherence to the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.

About You

• Sound knowledge and relevant work experience on the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and other relevant legislation.
• Demonstrable understanding of the principles and application of excellent adult social care.
• Managing competing demands and complex caseload and support team leader and other senior practitioners in running the team.
• Demonstrable experience of creating effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Strong literacy, numeracy, interpersonal and IT skills.
• Liaison with legal and attendance to Court of Protection Hearing if needed.
• Candidate will work alongside the manager and other seniors in doing case allocation.
• Candidate to liaise with Mental Health services to discuss joint approaches.
• Candidate to be able to work in the office twice a week as per the team's charter.
• Ideally the candidate would have experience of supervising staff members and budget responsibility.

About Us

The Kingston Hub is dedicated to supporting vulnerable residents who require assistance under the Care Act 2014.

Our high-performing team consists of 15 qualified and unqualified members, senior practitioners, and a team manager. We all uphold the STAR Values, striving to be Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, and Respectful in our daily work.

Our staff responsibilities include conducting Care Act Assessments, care reviews, Mental Capacity Assessments, and Best Interest Meetings. We also collaborate with colleagues in other teams/departments to implement care services.

We work closely with GP practices and health colleagues to provide an integrated service, participating in Proactive Anticipatory Care meetings and facilitating hospital discharges for Kingston residents under Discharge to Assess pathways.

Additionally, our team addresses Safeguarding enquiries and promotes residents' wellbeing. We conduct enquiries to protect vulnerable adults who are experiencing or at risk of abuse and neglect, ensuring they receive appropriate support, information, and advice.

Our social workers also complete CHC Checklists, attend DSTs, and work with colleagues in the ICB.

We are committed to providing information, advice, and signposting to external agencies whenever necessary.