About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Lichfield & Tamworth Community Discharge to Assess (D2A) Team for a Level 1 Registered Social Worker (Band 5).
You will be part of the South Discharge to Assess Service, working closely with a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team including Social Workers, Social Care Assessors, Nurses, Therapists and the Home First Team.
As a Level 1 Social Worker, you will play a key role in supporting adults to achieve positive outcomes following hospital admission, with a strong focus on independence, prevention, personalisation and social inclusion. You will work in accordance with the principles of the Care Act 2014, using strengths-based approaches to understand what matters to each individual and identify creative solutions that enable people to remain in, or return safely to, their own homes.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and innovative Social Worker who has excellent communication and organisational skills, alongside a developing knowledge of the Care Act, safeguarding, strengths-based practice and statutory social work.
This is a varied and rewarding role which provides an excellent opportunity to develop your social work skills within a supportive and dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. You will work alongside health and social care colleagues and partner agencies to address a range of care and support needs, manage risk and promote independence, while helping to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting improved health and wellbeing outcomes for local people.
About us
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;
Supporting your career development and progression Excellent NHS Pension scheme Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave Options for flexible working Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, mileage paid at business rates Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k Free car parking at all trust sites Free flu vaccinations every year Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met) We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Job description Job responsibilities
As a Registered Social Worker within the D2A service, you will:
Undertake strengths-based Care Act assessments and reviews, identifying individual needs, strengths, resources and desired outcomes to support safe and effective discharge from hospital and community D2A pathways. Manage a varied caseload, using professional judgement to assess need, identify and manage risk, make proportionate decisions and develop person-centred plans that promote independence. Work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and colleagues to develop creative and proportionate solutions, making the best use of available community, voluntary and social care resources. Support people to remain in or return to their own homes wherever possible, considering reablement, rehabilitation, informal support, community resources and appropriate commissioned services. Undertake and contribute to safeguarding adults enquiries, recognising and responding to concerns of abuse or neglect and working with partner agencies to promote the safety and wellbeing of adults at risk. Work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, contributing to professional discussions, discharge planning, risk management and decision-making. Build effective working relationships with health professionals, social care colleagues, voluntary and community organisations and other partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for citizens. Provide clear and professional advice, information and guidance to adults, carers and families regarding care and support options, rights, entitlements and available resources. Promote personalisation, strengths-based and asset-based practice, ensuring that the individual remains at the centre of assessment, planning and decision-making. Support individuals to identify and build on their own strengths, networks and community connections, recognising the importance of meaningful relationships, valued roles and social inclusion. Apply relevant legislation, statutory guidance, local policies and professional standards to all areas of practice, maintaining accurate and timely records. Balance independence, choice and control with appropriate risk management, demonstrating professional curiosity and sound decision-making in complex situations. Contribute to best-interest decision-making and Mental Capacity Act processes where required, ensuring that legal and ethical principles are appropriately considered. Participate in supervision, reflective practice, team meetings and professional development activities, using these opportunities to continually develop your practice. Where appropriate, provide support, guidance and informal mentoring to students, newly qualified Social Workers and other colleagues. Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives, sharing ideas and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes and experiences for citizens. Work flexibly across hospital and community settings as required by the needs of the service. What We Are Looking For We are looking for someone who is passionate about social work and committed to achieving positive outcomes for adults and their families.
You will be able to demonstrate:
A person-centred and strengths-based approach to social work practice. An understanding of the Care Act 2014, safeguarding and relevant social care legislation. The ability to assess needs, identify risk and make sound professional decisions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work effectively within a busy multi-disciplinary environment. Good organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice. A willingness to learn, reflect and develop your professional practice. The ability to work independently while recognising the importance of seeking support and advice when required. If you are a newly qualified Social Worker looking for a supportive environment in which to begin your career and complete your ASYE, or an experienced Social Worker looking for your next opportunity, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Newly Qualified Social Workers / ASYE Newly qualified Social Workers are very welcome to apply. Where appropriate, the successful candidate will be supported to complete the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) as part of their transition from student to registered Social Worker.
The ASYE provides a structured programme of support, supervision, assessment and professional development during your first year in employment. You will have access to regular supervision, protected development opportunities and support from experienced colleagues to help you consolidate your learning, develop your professional confidence and meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
Whether you are newly qualified and commencing your ASYE, or an experienced Social Worker looking to develop your career, you will be supported to build your skills and progress within the service.
Social Work Learning Academy (SWLA) On appointment, you will be enrolled in the Social Work Learning Academy (SWLA) and aligned to the appropriate British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Professional Capabilities Framework.
The relevant SWLA stage will be agreed based on your previous experience, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and level of practice. For newly qualified Social Workers, this will complement and support your ASYE journey where applicable.
You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own professional development and will have opportunities to learn alongside colleagues, contribute to the development of others and build your confidence and professional practice within a supportive learning environment.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential
Professional Social Work qualification, DipSW, CQSW, CSS, BA, MA or Foreign qualification where certified by the Professional Social Work regulatory body Ensuring current registration with the Professional Social Work regulatory body at all times. An ongoing commitment to personal and professional development. To undergo appropriate training to achieve Assessed Year in Practice (ASYE) Good keyboard / IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, email and PowerPoint A clear understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice
Experience Essential
Experience of working with Adults and older Adults with mental health needs and their carers
Desirable
Experience of social work in other user groups/settings i.e. Children and Families, Learning Disability, Mental Health.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address Merlin House
Etchell Road
Tamworth
B78 3HF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)