Senior Social Worker

The starting salary for this position is £46,399 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a new Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Forensic Social Care Team. The team is primarily based in Unither House, Curfew Bell Road, Chertsey KT16 9FG and is collocated with our health colleagues in the Forensic Outreach Liaison Service however, the team provides county wide cover and as such supports agile working.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

Surrey County Council's Adults Mental Health Service delivers services to all Surrey residents who meet social care criteria in line with the Care Act, in relation to their mental health needs. We are leading the way in implementing new ways of working in personalisation and a recovery-focused strength-based approach. Our goal is for service-users to be able to make informed choices about the services they use, be more in control of their care, and to be active citizens within their community. Teams within the service deliver high-quality care for service-users with mental health needs. Team members are friendly, cohesive and proud of their record in providing an effective service in the community.

About the role

As a Senior Social Worker in the Forensic Social Care team, you will be expected to assess the social care needs of service users and provide direct social work intervention to some of the most challenging and complex service users and their carers. We are looking for an enthusiastic senior social worker, or those ready to progress to this level with a minimum of 2 years relevant post ASYE experience, who can provide effective support for people with mental health needs and have committed serious offences using a strength-based approach to enable individuals to live as independently as possible with more choice and control.

Your role will include completing reviews and reassessments under the Care Act, as well as fulfilling other statutory responsibilities such as safeguarding, with the view to supporting residents to move forward in their recovery and gaining more independence.

Additionally you will undertake the role of Social Supervisor to those individuals who have been subject to a restriction order under the Mental Health Act 1983, for which full support and training will be given. Being an Approved Mental Health Professional is not a requirement for this role, but should you hold an AMHP warrant then continued AMHP practice can be discussed for support.

You will need to be flexible to work in a challenging environment as well as practising independently and autonomously. You will be supported by a small but dedicated team and will benefit from a structured induction programme. You will be provided with clear professional leadership, regular supervision and opportunities for career development.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Experience in mental health service, including assessment and risk management skills.
• A working knowledge of Care Act legislation including experience in preparation of support plans, monitoring and reviewing outcomes of packages of care.
• Commitment to your own professional development, including maintaining up-to-date knowledge of mental health issues.
• Any experience in supporting and supervising other professionals.
• Understanding and/or experience of working with Part 3 of the Mental Health Act.
• Over 2 years post AYSE experience.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 17/11/2024 with interviews to follow.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
• Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.