Social Care Practitioner - (Maximising Independence team)

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a Social Care Practitioner to join their supportive team in Newbury. You will assist in the safe discharge of patients from hospitals and support vulnerable individuals while ensuring their rights are protected. The ideal candidate will have a relevant social care qualification and experience in adult social care settings. This position offers hybrid working arrangements and a generous benefits package including training opportunities and a robust local government pension scheme.

Benefits

Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Family-friendly policies

A range of local discounts

Access to training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role within an adult social care setting.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support safe discharges of patients from hospital.
• Assess or review eligibility for long-term support.
• Work alongside colleagues to support vulnerable individuals.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Flexible working

Education

Relevant professional qualification in social work or social care

Job description

Overview

Are you an enthusiastic, motivated Social Care Practitioner looking to develop your skills, promote integration and independence? West Berkshire Council has a rare full-time opportunity to join our friendly and supportive team. We are a small Local Authority with a mix of urban and rural communities offering great variety and positive challenges. The council is embracing a new way of working with a strong focus on localities and a strengths-based approach towards the people we work with.

Responsibilities

As a Social Care Practitioner in the Joint Care Pathway / Maximising Independence Team you will support in the safe discharges of patients from hospital through the Joint Care Pathway and assess or review eligibility for long-term support in accordance with the Care Act. You will work alongside colleagues to support vulnerable individuals who are unable to make decisions, offering support in duty tasks that come into the team. You will be rota'd onto this duty work alongside colleagues each month. The role includes promoting the rights of individuals, safeguarding those at risk of abuse by working with the Safeguarding Team and jointly completing S42 enquiries. You will work closely with Social Workers and Occupational Therapists and alongside health colleagues through the integrated health and social care pathway for hospital discharges and hospital avoidance. A key aspect of the role is to support in the link worker function in hospitals in the area, which include Basingstoke, Swindon, Reading and West Berks Community Hospital. Dedicated teams operate a duty desk covered daily by a staff member, with a Social Worker on duty each day.

Qualifications

• A relevant professional qualification in social work or social care
• Experience in a similar role within an adult social care setting
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00–21.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible, 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family-friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• Generous annual leave starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years of service

Benefits

• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Family-friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Access to training and development opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where possible