Adult Social Worker – AR

Client: Harrow Council
Directorate: Adults and Public Health
Location: Harrow
Pay Grade: G9–G10
Contract: Temporary
Reports to: Team Manager / Senior Practitioner

About the Role

Harrow Council is looking for an experienced Adult Social Worker to join its Adult Social Care service. This is a frontline statutory social work role supporting adults with care and support needs, their carers and families.

You will undertake assessments, develop person-centred support plans, manage risk and safeguarding concerns, and arrange and review appropriate care and support services. The role focuses on promoting independence, wellbeing and choice while working within the requirements of the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation.

The role is open to newly qualified Social Workers undertaking their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) as well as experienced Social Workers operating at G10 level.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths-based Care Act assessments for adults and informal carers.
• Develop person-centred care and support plans based on individual needs, wishes and outcomes.
• Promote independence, wellbeing, choice and the management of risk.
• Assess and respond to safeguarding concerns and contribute to preventing the risk of harm.
• Undertake Mental Capacity assessments where required.
• Support the progression of safeguarding enquiries, including Section 42 enquiries, under appropriate supervision.
• Work collaboratively with adults, families, carers, advocates and partner agencies.
• Arrange, monitor and review care packages and other support services.
• Participate in the team’s Duty system and respond appropriately to changing demand and priorities.
• Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring statutory requirements and agreed deadlines are met.
• Present cases to relevant quality assurance, monitoring and risk panels.
• Maintain accurate records and undertake actions identified through supervision.
• Maintain continuous professional development in line with Social Work England requirements.

Additional G10 Responsibilities

At G10 level, you will also be expected to:

• Manage complex and high-risk cases independently.
• Present complex information and chair meetings relating to individuals on your caseload.
• Present cases to the Risk Enablement Panel and implement recommended actions.
• Act as a Safeguarding Enquiry Officer in the progression of Section 42(2) safeguarding investigations.

About You

You will be a qualified Social Worker with experience of working with adults with care and support needs. You will have a strong understanding of strengths-based and person-centred practice and be confident working within statutory Adult Social Care frameworks.

Essential Requirements

• Recognised Social Work qualification such as BSc/MA Social Work, DipSW/HE or CQSW.
• Understanding of the Care Act 2014.
• Understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Understanding of the Mental Health Act.
• Knowledge of adult safeguarding principles and procedures.
• Ability to undertake assessments and develop effective support plans.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to statutory deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with adults, carers, families and partner agencies.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.

Desirable

• Local Authority Adult Social Care experience.
• Experience of strengths-based social work practice.
• Experience of adult safeguarding and Section 42 enquiries.
• Practice Educator qualification.
• Best Interest Assessor qualification.
• Experience managing complex or high-risk adult cases.

What Harrow Offers

Harrow Council is committed to developing its Adult Social Care workforce and provides training, supervision and development opportunities. Newly qualified Social Workers will benefit from a reduced caseload and structured support through the ASYE programme, with opportunities to develop their practice and progress their career.

If you are a qualified Adult Social Worker looking for an opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of adults, carers and families, we would like to hear from you.