Social Worker

Integrated Care System; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join the North Hertfordshire Adult Community Mental Health Services Team. Responsibilities include assessing the needs of adults facing mental health challenges, delivering support, and ensuring high-quality care services. Ideal for newly qualified Social Workers eager to grow in a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications and registration with Social Work England required.
• Experience in assessments and care planning is essential.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments for individuals with complex social issues.
• Provide direct support and advice to service users.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies.

Skills

Assessment

Care planning

Community support

Risk assessment

Safeguarding

Education

Relevant Social Work qualification

Degree-level education

Job description

Go back Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Social Worker

The closing date is 31 August 2025

An exciting opportunity for the position of Social Worker has become available in the North Hertfordshire Adult Community Mental Health Services Team.

This is an ideal opportunity for a newly qualified Social Worker to join a fantastic team based here in North Hertfordshire.

As a Social Worker, you will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing high-quality social care services to adults of all ages experiencing mental ill-health. The core functions of the role include assessment, care planning, and coordination of care from a social perspective for adults accessing the service.

You will deliver recovery-focused care and support to service users and their carers, emphasizing principles of choice, control, independence, and safety.

You will actively address adversity, support adults at risk of social exclusion, and assist those accessing support to manage adverse circumstances. You will champion equality and diversity, challenging discrimination in all its forms.

You will hold a caseload of adults with a range of mental health and social care needs. You will maintain reflection and development of your practice and ensure your ongoing professional development aligns with Social Work England standards.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake assessments and reviews for individuals who may present with high risk or complex social, legal, or environmental issues, ensuring appropriate assessment against social care eligibility criteria as per The Care Act 2014.
• Provide direct support, information, and advice to service users and carers, signposting those who do not meet social care eligibility to appropriate services.
• Ensure commissioned services offer choice and focus on community-based support and access to universal services.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
• Comply with child and adult safeguarding policies, supporting adult safeguarding investigations and protection plans.
• Perform other delegated social care responsibilities as accepted by the Trust on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council.
• Perform additional duties as directed by your Line Manager.

About us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is one of only five mental health trusts rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission.

Our team of over 4,000 staff provides health and social care for individuals with mental health issues, physical health problems, and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Norfolk, delivering services within the community and inpatient settings. Our values are rooted in choice, independence, and equality: Welcoming, Kind, Positive, Respectful, and Professional.

Learn more about us at Hertfordshire NHS Partnership Trust.

Job responsibilities

• Be an advocate for social care, with a solid understanding of relevant legislation and guidance.
• Conduct assessments and reviews, particularly for individuals with high risk or complex circumstances, ensuring compliance with The Care Act 2014.
• Provide direct support and advice to service users and carers, ensuring appropriate signposting and support for those not meeting social care criteria.
• Ensure the commissioning of appropriate health and social care services, including the provision of direct payments and managing charges where applicable.
• Promote choice and access to community and universal services for service users and carers.
• Regularly assess risks to keep vulnerable individuals safe.
• Follow safeguarding policies for both children and adults, supporting investigations and protection plans as needed.
• Undertake comprehensive carer assessments, including contingency planning and support provision.
• Engage service users and carers in feedback to improve service delivery.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date computer records of all work undertaken.
• Participate in post-qualification and ongoing training to uphold high standards and maintain registration with Social Work England.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A relevant Social Work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Degree-level education.
• Training in outcomes-focused assessments and personalisation principles.

Experience

• Knowledge of legislation, policy, and theory related to the care group.
• Experience in assessments, care planning, and personalisation.
• Understanding of personal budgets and direct payments.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in partnership working with service users and carers, demonstrating dignity and respect.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to review any criminal convictions.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £32,602 to £39,689 per annum (including 5% HCAS).