Senior Social Worker

ESSEX PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Chelmsford is seeking a Senior Social Worker to enhance social care within a multidisciplinary team in a low secure unit. The role involves leading social work practices, conducting Care Act assessments, and supervising staff. Ideal candidates should have strong social work knowledge, particularly related to mental health, and the ability to promote service users' independence in line with legislative requirements. The position offers a supportive environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension of up to 14.5%

Staff discounts and benefits

£8K relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Flexibility in working hours

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in social work, particularly with mental health.
• Proven ability to conduct Care Act assessments.
• Experience in supervising social work staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead on social work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Conduct Mental Health Act assessments.
• Supervise social work staff and develop practices.

Skills

Social work knowledge

Mental Health Act knowledge

Care Act understanding

Risk assessment

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will use exemplary social work knowledge and practice and be committed to undertake person centred work with individuals and families focussing on their strengths, interests and assets in accordance with the Care Act (2014). As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will lead on the understanding and knowledge of the role of social work within mental health, as identified by the five role categories for Social Work for Better Mental Health.

You will work as a Senior Social Worker within the multi‑disciplinary team within the low secure unit. You will also actively practice as an AMHP, undertaking Mental Health Act (MHA) assessments and other allocated work in relation to service users with a range of mental health difficulties and engaging with their carers so that, within the legislation, appropriate action can be taken.

You will lead the social work provision within the multi‑disciplinary team supervising social workers and developing practice in all areas of social care.

You will undertake Care Act assessments, assessment for social care funding, completing required paperwork as well as supporting colleagues, scrutinising their paperwork and working with the appropriate local authority and the respective ICBs.

As the Senior Social Worker, you will have responsibility as the Lead role within the team and for the professional social work supervision for social work staff within the team.

You will work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians and other practitioners within the multi‑disciplinary team.

In delivering your duties, you will be required to display behaviours that are aligned with the Trust values and as required in accordance with the NHS Constitution at all times.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
• Assess, manage, care plan, support and review care needs in line with policy, procedures and legislation, including the provision of aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act.
• Use strength based approaches to support service users, focusing on them achieving positive outcomes to enhance their wellbeing, looking at prevention and increasing their independence in line with the Care Act (2014).
• Provide a clear picture of how a person's independence is being promoted; promote conversations to draw on the support around each person, their networks, local community and personal resources and support with delivering statutory responsibilities under the Care Act (2014).
• Undertake risk assessments and develop risk management plans, able to support positive risk taking.
• To ensure that service users open to the team are provided with robust social care assessments by all care coordinators and that Care Act assessments are carried out where an eligible assessed need is identified and personal budget plans are put in place.
• Act as a lead for the team in areas of social care, for example supporting with Care Act assessments and related social care funding processes, knowledge around the MHA, MCA, Safeguarding and developing knowledge and skills locally.
• You will support adults that need to be safeguarded in line with the Care Act (2014), manage risk and meet eligible need.

Important Information

• Important note: please ensure that as part of your application, you include professional references with business contact information covering your last three years of employment history. We are unable to accept personal or character references.
• As a newly appointed employee, you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post; the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust.
• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021: individuals directly employed to work in a Care Home or required to be deployed to a CQC registered care home must have had both COVID vaccinations unless exempt. This is a requirement of this role and will form part of our pre‑employment checks.
• Applicants will be subject to robust safer recruitment processes.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts including Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
• Work bank: you can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.

Equal Opportunities

Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We also hold the Disability Two‑Tick symbol and have made a pledge to commit to employing more people with learning disabilities, and we encourage people with a disability to apply.