Senior Practitioner

Fife Council; Kirkcaldy; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Kirkcaldy is seeking an experienced Mental Health Officer to join their dedicated team. The role involves supporting individuals requiring protection, mentoring satellite MHO teams, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Ideal candidates should hold a Post Graduate qualifying award and have substantial experience in Social Work Assessment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute positively to mental health services in Fife.

Benefits

Employee benefits package

Discounts on products and services

Qualifications

• Accredited MHO and registered with SSSC.
• Extensive experience in Social Work Assessment.
• Ability to travel throughout Fife.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals who may need protection.
• Carry a caseload as per relevant Acts.
• Mentor satellite MHOs in locality teams.

Skills

Social Work Assessment

Mentoring

Collaboration

Engagement Skills

Resilience

Education

Post Graduate qualifying award

Job description

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Job Description

Proposed Interview Date: Week Commencing 25 August 2025

Closing Date: 17 August 2025

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: FC9 £45,990.00 to £55,263.09

Working Pattern: 36 Hours per week

Location: Kirkcaldy Town House

Supporting Statement

As part of your application, you must provide us with a Supporting Statement which outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our Career Site. Without a Supporting Statement, your application will not be progressed. Please upload your Supporting Statement at the section marked 'upload resumé'. Your Supporting Statement must not be a CV. More information is available on our Career site at www.fife.gov.uk/jobs/supportingstatement

Job Details

Fife's dedicated MHO Team provides a service to individuals who are at risk of harm and who may need protection using statutory measures. MHOs balance the need for compulsory treatment or intervention while promoting the rights and needs of people who have mental illness or who lack capacity. This mainly involves using legal powers under three Acts:

• Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.
• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

Fife MHO Service sits within the Health and Social Care Partnership and is managed within Adult Social Work Service. The service comprises the MHO Dedicated Team, and satellite MHO's based in area teams, both of which work to a Service Level Agreement. The MHO Emergency Out of Hours Service (EOOHS) sits within the Children and Families Directorate.

The Senior Practitioner status reflects the role of dedicated MHO's in supporting students as Practice Assessors. Also, the mentoring of the satellite MHO's based in the area Social Work teams.

This post offers the opportunity to work with a team of colleagues who are highly skilled and experienced. There are a range of opportunities to develop specific learning and development needs.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, proactive and resilient MHO to join our team. The successful candidate will be committed to integration, collaboration and partnership working, demonstrating outstanding people and engagement skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your knowledge, skills and abilities to the expanding Mental Health Officer Service in Fife and improve outcomes for people affected by mental illness.

The Person

The successful applicant will:

• be an accredited MHO having undertaken the Post Graduate qualifying award.
• be registered with the SSSC and maintain the CPD requirements for this.
• carry a caseload in relation to the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and Criminal Procedures (Scotland) Act, as well as providing duty service on a rota basis.
• Undertake the role of Council Officer in relation to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.
• provide regular mentoring for satellite MHOs in locality teams.
• provide guidance and support to the area teams through a range of forums.
• contribute toward the learning and development of the team and service.
• undertake the role of Practice Assessor to support trainee MHOs.
• have extensive experience of Social Work Assessment and Care Management, ideally from a range of backgrounds, and demonstrate the ability to apply this to the role where required e.g. undertaking Outcome Focused Assessments.
• be able to approach performance positively and demonstrate the ability to use systems accurately to record and report on practice.
• have the ability to travel throughout Fife and on occasion outwith in line with requirements for the role.

Before confirming your appointment, you will be required to obtain Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership through Disclosure Scotland and become a member of the relevant PVG scheme.

Further Information

• Role Profile - When preparing your supporting statement, review the role profile and think about how you meet the essential criteria Role Profile
• How We Work Matters - Our employees are expected to display and promote certain behaviours in the workplace. See our How We Work Matters behaviour framework for more information.
• Employee Benefits - Employees have access to a benefits package that offers discounts on a wide range of products and services
• Directorate Information - Council Department information
• Social Media - Search for more 'Fife Council Jobs' on Facebook or follow us on X @FCJobsOfficial
• Alternative Formats - Job information can be made available in alternative formats, to make a request please email: [e-mail]

For Further Information Please Contact : Karen Chappell - [e-mail]