Social Worker

The Methodist Church in Britain; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Methodist Church in Britain is seeking a social worker to join Wirral-based community mental health teams within the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The role focuses on adults with mental health needs, managing risk, safeguarding, and promoting independence and choice under mental health and capacity law.

Applicants should have at least two years post-qualification experience and be registered with Social Work England.

Qualifications

• Social work qualification in social work or DipSW.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (PCF).
• Willingness to undertake the practice educator award.

Responsibilities

• Manage a capped caseload of adults with mental health needs.
• Use social work methods to promote positive change, independence and wellbeing in line with assessed need.
• Promote choice and control for adults and carers.
• Manage risk and safeguard adults, treating safeguarding as a priority.
• Make sure individual needs and aspirations are supported.
• Apply the Care Act, Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated codes of practice.
• Apply the Children Act 1989 in practice.
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team alongside health colleagues.
• Travel across the service as needed, which is essential to the role.
• Keep accurate, timely case recordings using IT.
• Develop professionally in the area of mental health.

Skills

MHA 1983 knowledge

MCA 2005 knowledge

Care Act 2014 knowledge

DDA 1995 knowledge

Confidentiality

Data protection

Assessment skills

Interviewing skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organisational skills

Education

Social work degree or DipSW

PCF CPD evidence

Practice educator award

Job description

This social worker post sits in the Wirral-based community mental health teams of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, an all-age adult mental health service. The work centres on supporting adults with mental health needs, managing risk and safeguarding while promoting independence and choice under mental health and capacity law. The caseload is capped, the team is integrated with health colleagues, and travel is central, with future AMHP training possible. Applicants need at least two years' post-qualification experience and Social Work England registration.

What the job involves

• Manage a capped caseload of adults with mental health needs
• Use social work methods to promote positive change, independence and wellbeing in line with assessed need
• Promote choice and control for adults and carers
• Manage risk and safeguard adults, treating safeguarding as a priority
• Make sure individual needs and aspirations are supported
• Apply the Care Act, Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated codes of practice
• Apply the Children Act 1989 in practice
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team alongside health colleagues
• Travel across the service as needed, which is essential to the role
• Keep accurate, timely case recordings using IT
• Develop professionally in the area of mental health

Qualifications

• Social work qualification, such as a degree in social work or DipSW
• Evidence of continuing professional development in line with the PCF
• Willingness to undertake the practice educator award

Registration & licences

• Registered with Social Work England, with evidence

Experience

• At least two years' post-qualification experience
• Working with vulnerable individuals, families and carers
• Arranging support plans and/or packages of care
• Working with partner agencies in a professional capacity

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of MHA 1983, MCA 2005, Care Act 2014, DDA 1995 and safeguarding
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
• Sound assessment and interviewing skills
• Verbal and written communication, and organisational skills

Checks & eligibility

• DBS check, paid for by the applicant and deducted from salary after appointment

Other

• Demonstrates the Trust values, the 6 Cs: commitment, communication, care, courage, compassion, competency
• Willingness to move across teams as service needs require
• Access to transport for travel

Nice to have

• Relevant post-qualifying or vocational training
• Experience of working with older adults with mental health needs
• Experience of BIA, DOLS or Court of Protection work
• Experience of complex safeguarding
• Experience of working in a local authority setting
• Experience of working in a multi-agency team
• Emotional intelligence and developing emotional resilience
• Experience of working with a range of families with different needs

What's offered

• Capped caseload
• Support for ongoing development in mental health
• Future opportunities to train as an AMHP
• Up to three weeks' induction training through Prepare to Care