Adult Social Worker - 4 Years + (Grade I)

Position available in Mental Health Hospital Discharge Purpose of Job: � To provide a high standard of social work to adults and/or carers arising out of the Council�s duties and powers under the Care Act 2014 and in accordance with Barnet policies and procedures, guidelines and the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers. � To provide appropriate, professional Social Work assessments of older people, adults with physical and sensory needs or learning disability and carers with a focus on meeting the social care outcomes as articulated in the Department of Health�s Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework. � To safeguard adults and carers at risk of harm and promote Making Safeguarding Personal principles and their wellbeing. � To undertake and review individualised and outcomes-led care and support. To ensure that the wellbeing principles are at the heart of assessment and care and support planning. � To support people to maintain their health, wellbeing and independence by providing access to good quality information and advice and signposting to local preventative services, with a focus on building their resilience and strengths to stay well and achieve the outcomes that are important to them. � To promote a culture of continuous development and professional development including to enhance the quality of practice and staff wellbeing.

1. Role-specific responsibilities � To conduct or support individual assessments or facilitate and promote self-assessments using the appropriate tools and techniques in order to establish clear, relevant, proportionate, cost effective and appropriate options for the individual. � Based on individual structured assessments and in line with an enablement and strengths based approach, plan and set up appropriate personalised and outcome-led care and support plans that maximise long-term independence and choice and minimise ongoing support and whole life cost of care for that person. � Conduct risk assessments with adults and carers, in line with eligibility criteria and Mental Capacity legislation. � To conduct Mental Capacity Act assessments in line with statutory guidance and ensuring adults are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate capacity wherever possible. � To manage an allocated caseload in compliance with statutory requirements, Council policy, professional best practice and with regard for individual choice. � Liaise with, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other local services, specialist teams, CCG and Hospital Trusts and the voluntary and community sector relevant to the needs of the adult in order to deliver a holistic and seamless service. � Value and encourage the contribution of adults and their advocates, relatives, carers and support workers where appropriate, to ensure that they are engaged in the assessment, support and review process. � Maintain a thorough understanding of available local provision and make appropriate recommendations and action referrals to other specialist teams and providers. � To promote the use of direct payments where appropriate, and understand the role of financial assessments, and provide information and advice and guidance so that people can be supported in exercising choice based on assessed risk and expected outcomes. Support them in navigating through the appropriate procedures. � Work with the Brokerage team to procure care and support including equipment and adaptations. � Act as �trusted assessors� for defined areas of the care and support plan subject to appropriate training and competency, in line with the objective of reducing case handovers. Identify where care technology can be beneficial and make relevant onward referrals. � Chair and participate in reviews and meetings attended by people who use services as well as by colleagues and representatives of other agencies, e.g. CCG and Hospital Trusts, community and voluntary sector, police. � Monitor and carry out timely, regular and frequent reviews of people�s care and support plans in compliance with service targets. � Represent the service at external meetings; prepare papers, draft and present statements and reports as required. � Take responsibility for the administrative processes associated with dealing with cases in accordance with service procedures, standards and targets. � Maintain up to date, accurate and timely records of communication, decisions, actions and outcomes relating to cases in line with the processes, standards and systems of the Council. � Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of people who come into contact with the service, in full compliance with Barnet procedures and that the principles are embedded in all practices, advice, decisions and support associated with this role. To ensure that the Safeguarding policy and procedures are understood and adhered to, undertaking enquiries in line with training and guidance, as required. � Where appropriately trained and competent, to act as a Best Interest Assessor in relation to assessments for Authorisations under the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards as required. � To act as lead in a relevant specialist area relating to the service user group where appropriate, (such as HIV, Asylum, hearing and visual needs). � Ensure compliance with policies and procedures of Adults and Communities, and those of any partner agencies, are followed, and that the service is always delivered in accordance with professional standards, policy and practice and the relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks. � Assist with monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the service and contribute to the development of service improvements through participation and involvement in local and central team meetings, supervision, training, conferences and other forums. � Work flexibly and respond positively to changing business and adults needs and carry out any other duties within the scope of the nature and grade of the post, as directed by the line manager. � Understand the budgetary framework and context of the role to ensure that the service delivers value for money and cost effective solutions and options within defined budgetary constraints. � Advise the team manager on a regular basis of casework plans and developments and to seek authorisation in line with divisional delegated powers.
2. Key accountabilities � To provide supervision to Assessment and Enablement Officers. � To support other members of the team as required. � Provide professional support to staff within and across teams and participate in delivering training/development sessions in area of expertise. � To be responsible for Continual Professional Development (CPD)_in order to remain professional registration. To keep up to date with key legislative changes and good practice guidance and developments.
3. Promotion of Corporate Values To actively promote our values in our work with residents, partners and key stakeholders: � We Care - We care about Barnet, its people and businesses and those we work with � We Can be Trusted - We are open, honest, act with integrity and are dependable � We Work Together - We actively listen, respond, collaborate and share ideas, to achieve the best outcomes with residents, businesses and colleagues � We Value Diversity - We value different perspectives, individuality and treat everyone with respect. We will always strive to ensure the organisation embraces the richness of our community � We Embrace Change and Innovation - We continually ask what we can do better, or differently. We encourage creativity and value ideas. We will celebrate our success and learn from mistakes.
4. Flexibility � The jobholder may be required to carry out other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade, as requested by line manager. � This job description is not exhaustive and may change as the post or the needs of the Council develop. Such changes will be subject to consultation between the post holder and their manager and, if necessary, further job evaluation.
5. Commitment to Equality � Deliver the Council�s commitment to equality of opportunity through actively promoting equality and diversity in the work place and in the services delivered. � Ensure that the needs of all people accessing our service are met, sensitive to gender, race, disability, creed, belief and sexual orientation. Celebrate diversity and challenge stereotyping, prejudice and unlawful discrimination in the delivery of the service. PERSON SPECIFICATION Service: Adults and Communities Location: Various Job Title: Social Worker Grade: Grade I Post No.: Reports to: Team Manager or Senior/Lead Practitioner Knowledge, training and experience Essential/Desirable Criteria Qualifications E Registered as Social Worker with Social Work England CQSW/ DipSW or equivalent qualification Training in relevant legislation appropriate to client group Training in safeguarding of vulnerable adults D Accredited Best Interest Assessor Experience E Relevant experience of operating effectively as a practicing Social Worker. Understanding and experience of operating with a comprehensive assessment framework including self-assessment. Experience of preparing clear and accurate correspondence, reports and other written documentation. Understanding and experience of working with vulnerable adults within a care environment Record of high performance in successfully delivering a customer focused service to demanding targets and objectives. Experience of actively and effectively participating in cross-functional networks and local groups. D Support, understand and ability to apply the enablement approach as a means of promoting independence. Experience of supervising and supporting staff Knowledge, Competencies and Special aptitudes relevant to job E Sound, practical understanding of relevant legislation (such as the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act), policies and processes necessary to deliver complex and multiple services to vulnerable adults. Sound understanding of social care needs of vulnerable adults within the context of the job Ability and knowledge to represent the Council at external meetings in a professional and competent manner Highly self-motivated with the ability to work effectively on own initiative to challenging deadlines and work demands. Ability to make sound decisions based on information gathered to meet agreed outcomes and possess the judgement to seek advice where required. Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with adults, their families, carers and advocates, colleagues, external organisations Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a wider, multidisciplinary team to deliver to common objectives. Understanding of the national and local influences on the organisation and their implications on the service area Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly, effectively, accurately and appropriately to members of the public, colleagues and senior management. Good understanding of National Eligibility framework. Ability to advise adults and carers on personal budgets, direct payments and self-funding. Ability to contribute to service developments in a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to change Proven competency to handle confidential/sensitive personal information in an appropriate and secure manner in accordance with GDPR and Caldicott principles Competent in the use of the case management and document management systems with an understanding and acceptance of how this benefits the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of the service Competent in the use of the case management and document management systems with an understanding and acceptance of how this benefits the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of the service Problem solving and analytical skills with a creative, flexible and sensitive approach that delivers a personalised and user led outcomes based solution. Commitment and ability to promote and safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults Understanding of and ability to apply the principles of risk management in the context of the job Ability to work flexibly and embrace mobile working to meet the needs of the service. D Understanding of and ability to apply the Service�s commissioning agenda Specialist area of knowledge within Social Work field. Commitment to Council�s Aims and Values E Champions a culture that values equality and diversity, and ensures these are built into the delivery of services Understanding of and ability to work within and promote the principles of the Corporate Plan and service priorities.