With us, you can achieve more - for yourself as well as those you work to support.
We'll give you the tools and resources you need to enable vulnerable adults to live healthily and independently. And, as you continue to grow your expertise, you'll play a key role in the development of our Older Adults Mental Health Team.
Applications are welcome from current Senior Social Workers who are interested in gaining experience in an Older Adults Mental Health Team, or from Social Workers looking for a development opportunity.
North Essex covers our offices in Colchester and Clacton. It is a diverse area to work in encompassing rural, coastal, and urban communities all with their own unique challenges. Essex County Council work closely with their partners in North Essex, those joining teams in this area are uniquely positioned to be increasingly involved in partnership projects across local authorities and the NHS.
The Team
We work with adults aged 65 years plus and their carers diagnosed with a functional or organic mental illness such as dementia, both in the community and developing discharge pathways from inpatient wards, in accordance with the Mental Health Act 1983 and Care Act 2014 principles. Our team works closely with mental health inpatient wards, Severe Dementia and Frailty Services and Social Care neighbourhood teams, managing the complexities of ongoing support and reablement for people who live with mental health needs.
This is a dynamic role promoting innovative person centred and partnership working with adults, their informal carers and in collaboration with other statutory, and non-statutory services to support and promote their mental health, well-being and outcomes. An essential part of the role is to challenge stigma, discrimination and consider least restrictive approaches for adults and their situations through holistic assessments and considering positive risk management to promote outcomes and recovery.
You will join a knowledgeable and supportive team, who are happy to share their knowledge and in addition, you will have opportunity to undertake training via the Essex Social Care Academy and develop skills and understanding regarding your role and career progression. Regular Team Meetings, Practice Meetings and supervision will also enable you to develop your skills. The working hours are Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:30; with a 2 weekly 16:30 finish on a Friday.
About the role
Managing your own complex caseload, as well as supporting colleagues with theirs, you'll be a source of specialist advice and enable the mitigation of high levels of risk. You'll also bring your professional expertise to contribute to the development of practice standards and our four key principles of prevention, early intervention, enablement and safeguarding.
Your responsibilities will also include:
- Working collaboratively across the Council, with partners and statutory and voluntary agencies, to ensure a joined-up approach.
- Taking part in a range of case conferences, court attendance, meetings and statutory reviews, pro-actively taking the lead when a social care perspective is required.
- Developing a high level of expertise in particular areas of practice, and leading on those areas
About us
Essex County Council has been awarded Social Work Employer of the year in the prestigious 2021 Social Worker of the Year Awards.
With us, you can achieve more - for yourself as well as the vulnerable adults you work to support. We're always looking for new ways to deliver even better services, Senior Social Workers have an integral role in the team and support the Team Manager around maintaining a high standard of practice within the team. We encourage our multi-disciplinary teams to share their ideas and experience. We work together to get things done. Bring your positive, proactive attitude, and we'll empower you to make the most of your experience as a Senior Social Worker within Essex County Council (ECC) Adult Social Care services.
About you
To apply, you should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and be post-qualified 2 years with an in-depth knowledge of complex cases and The Care Act. You will be AMHP, BIA or PE qualified, or have secured intention to complete these qualifications.
We require a proactive worker who has a proven record of working complex cases and supporting other staff members. A worker who wants to develop and become part of the management Team.
You'll bring significant experience of social work, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We're also looking for your ability to mentor both newly-qualified and experienced team members. As, as a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance.
With experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi-agency professionals, we're looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults.
You'll also bring:
- Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
- An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
- The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service.