The Role

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of teams that have strong social values and a focus on improving outcomes of vulnerable adults. The social work teams within the Mental Health Service are part of a ground-breaking shared staffing arrangement. We are pleased to offer a number of Senior Social Worker posts across both Richmond and Wandsworth Mental Health Social Care Teams and Richmond and Wandsworth Mental Health Reviews, Accommodation and Projects Teams. These positions are based either at Wandsworth Town Hall or Richmond upon Thames Civic Centre in Twickenham.

The teams undertake all initial Care Act and Carers assessments, reviews, reassessments and safeguarding enquiries for both Wandsworth & Richmond residents with social care needs as a result of their mental health. The teams are focused on agreeing personalised support plans with residents and their carers, which maximise the person's independence and control over their environment and personal circumstances and which are cost effective.

The Senior Social Workers will support the Assistant Team Managers and Team Managers in ensuring that all agreed service plans and statutory responsibilities are met, and quality services delivered to the relevant local populations in keeping with the philosophy of the Care Act 2014.

The role will involve supervision of Social Workers and Social Care Assessors within the team, acting as a safeguarding adult manager (SAM) and as a duty senior. This will be alongside providing a senior presence within the team, undertaking complex assessments and reviews, and promoting a high quality of work across the teams through leading by example.

You will need to be motivated and flexible with high professional standards and sound knowledge and experience of current legislation and its application to practice in a social care setting.

An applied knowledge of The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act and experience of undertaking safeguarding enquiries is essential alongside experience of working in complex situations using professional judgement and a range of interventions.

You will be able to communicate in a clear, fluent, concise and jargon free-way and in a courteous, calm and professional manner.

You will have experience of, and be able to provide, professional, reflective supervision, guidance and advice to less experienced social workers, including those completing ASYE and social work students.

You should be eligible to work in the UK;

You are a qualified social worker with HCPC and have a social work degree with post registration experience as a social worker in a social care or multi-agency community setting;

Successful completion of ASYE if qualified after June 2012 (Social Workers);

A broad knowledge of social work practice and legislation, including safeguarding;

An ability to demonstrate excellent assessment and analytical skills;

In return for all your skills, enthusiasm and commitment we will support you to take your career to the next level.

We offer a competitive salary, opportunity for progression, excellent training including a thorough induction, essential training matrix linked to your role and professional development plans.

You will receive professional supervision and be working in a team of motivated, dedicated and friendly colleagues.

We offer several benefits for our employees including:

Strong commitment to professional supervision and supporting staff

Excellent training and support with continuing professional development

Flexible Working

Staff benefits scheme/staff discounts

The chance to work within a diverse and supportive team, to empower you to make important decisions that impact our service users.

We have developed an environment where all staff are listened to, opinions and ideas are valued and anyone can influence the future of the service.

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities are also offered.

Richmond and Wandsworth are currently reviewing our pay, reward and benefits framework, in partnership with Trade Union colleagues. We are developing different options that make sure we have a fair and transparent system in place.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: Sunday 21 July 2019

Shortlisting Date: w/c Monday 22 July 2019

Interview Date: TBC

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be aDisability Confident employer.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils