Level 1 Social Worker

Job summary

We are offering an exciting opportunity to join our Adults' Social Care Pathway as a Level 1 Social worker who has a passion and enthusiasm for working in mental health services.

We would welcome applications from experienced social workers or from those newly qualified and with a commitment to undertake the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme.

We are looking for someone with the drive and motivation to work with adults within mental health services. We actively support professional and personal development through supervision and appraisal as well as support from the Social Work Learning Academy to plan and guide your professional development.

Applicants must be a registered as a social worker with Social Work England.

The Social Care Pathway (West) has office-bases in Stafford, Cannock and Codsall and, while this post is primarily based in Stafford, you will also be expected to work in other areas of South Staffordshire as the service requires.

Main duties of the job

As a Level 1 Social Worked you will work closely with people with potential care and support needs, carrying out assessments of need to explore how best to ensure these are met which may include applying for costed care.

As part of this role, you will be expected to:

-Work alongside carers, other agencies, families, the local community and our own multi-disciplinary community and inpatient services to ensure continuity and a high quality service.
-Be an integrated and supportive member of a team, planning, actioning, monitoring and evaluating work with the supervision of an experienced Social Worker and the Practice Lead/Operational Service Delivery Lead.
-Be responsible for supporting the delivery of health and social care functions for adults/carers within the Community and where relevant Hospital/ Inpatient settings providing social work knowledge and expertise within the domain of assessments, care and support planning, reviews and requests for information, advice and guidance.
-Work collaboratively with other Trust services to provide seamless care for adults/carers on defined care and support pathways with particular emphasis on ensuring safe and effective transitions.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

If you are in your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, you will be supported by the Trust to develop skills, knowledge and professional confidence in line with the national ASYE requirements and reflecting the PCF standards (Professional Capabilities Framework). This includes having a protected workload spanning community and Hospital/inpatient working during the first year of employment; having a personal development plan; and having dedicated allocated time for personal development and regular formal supervision by a Practice Assessor supplied by the Trust.

You will enhance and develop their practice to become an autonomous practitioner with graded exposed to work of a more complex nature. You will be provided with the support of a Practice Assessor and will receive enhanced supervisory support from other senior colleagues including an identified experienced Social Worker, the Advanced Social Work Practitioner or Team lead.

On appointment, you will be auto-enrolled in the SWLA and aligned to the appropriate British Association of Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework. The relevant SWLA stage (i.e. stage 1 (ASYE), 2 (Social Worker) or 3 (Advanced Social Worker) will also be agreed taking all prior Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and relevant experience into consideration. You will be required to take responsibility for their own Continuous Professional Development.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential
-Professional Social Work qualification, DipSW, CQSW, CSS, BA, MA or Foreign qualification where certified by the Professional Social Work regulatory body
-Ensuring current registration with the Professional Social Work regulatory body at all times
-A commitment to on-going personal and professional development
-To undergo appropriate training to achieve Assessed Year in Practice (ASYE)
-Good keyboard / IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, email and PowerPoint
-A clear understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

Experience

Essential
-Experience of working with Adults and older Adults with mental health needs and their carers

Desirable
-Experience of social work in other user groups/settings i.e. Children and Families, Learning Disability, Mental Health.