Specialist Social Worker

• The post holder will hold a caseload of service users with a variety of mental health needs, completing mental health assessments, risk assessments, care plans and CPA reviews.
• The post holder will work to the local authorities' operating model to arrange any packages of care which may be required and will work closely with colleagues in other Trust services such as in-patient as well as other partners and providers of care.
• The Post holder will work with service users in a range of settings and will work with them to agree what outcomes they hope to achieve. This will be through assessment of need using strength based and human rights approaches with an emphasis on prevention and independence.
• The post holder will contribute to a multidisciplinary team, providing specialist social work knowledge and supporting colleagues n an MDT forum.

Essential

• Professional knowledge gained through Diploma in Social Work or equivalent plus consolidation through period of indentured/supported practice
• Degree and current professional registration held with Social Work England.
• Post registration/graduate diploma or equivalent experience in related work area, to demonstrate specialist level of practice.
• Demonstrable experience of mentoring.
• Full understanding of relevant policy, legislation, drivers and their application to the service area, e.g. Safeguarding, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Social Inclusion, Liberty Protection Safeguards and other relevant legislation.
• Full understanding/application of relevant practice/standards/audit within identified service area.
• Standard IT skills

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD or experiential learning at an advanced level e.g. Post graduate/Masters level.
• Leadership training / qualification/experience.
• Evidence of project work that has impacted on practice and demonstrates a higher level of communication/planning/change that impacts within own area of work/responsibility

Essential

• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the service area at specialist level
• Evidence of promoting/supporting active user/carer involvement/participation.
• Act as Care Programme Approach (CPA) Coordinator.
• Ability to form an maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with vulnerable people.

Desirable

• Development of specialist/advanced level of professional/practice skills and able to demonstrate the impact of this on practice change/development.
• Leadership/management experience which has had a positive impact and created change within the service delivery/practice.
• Professional networking locally.

Essential

• Effective inter-personal skills and experience in supervising and mentoring.
• Able to demonstrate effective communication skills.
• Be able to demonstrate core values of social work.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical values and attitudes within a culture of equality and diversity.
• Ability to commute between the various sites.