Social Worker, Enhanced Support Team

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent full-time Social Worker (either experienced or newly qualified) to join a new Adult Social Care team. The Enhanced Support Team (EST) covers the whole of North Somerset, the team's focus is to work with a core group of people who are the most vulnerable adults in the area needing a trauma informed approach. We work alongside a person who may need more longer-term involvement from adult care. We support adults with multiple health and social care needs utilising a strength based and person-centred approach. Ensuring the person, their networks and partner agencies are involved to create person centred support planning meeting eligible needs and outcomes. The Enhanced Support Team consists of Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Adults Social Care Workers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Completing needs assessments under the Care Act 2014, support planning to meet outcomes, mental capacity assessments and best Interest processes, risk assessments, reviews.
• Completing carers assessments.
• Support and undertake S42 safeguarding enquiries.
• Prepare clear, evidenced-based reports to inform professional decision making.
• Care coordination - engaging a multi-agency team to aid all aspects of support planning, risk management and improve access to services.
• Supporting individuals to navigate complex situations and drawing in targeted support from other agencies.
• Work with Brokerage and providers to source appropriate care and support with consideration of financial parameters.
• Complete Community DoLs applications (in line with recent case law)
• Identify the need for Multi Agency Risk Management (MARM) referrals and supporting MARM reviews.
• Complete Court of Protection welfare applications
• Transitions for young people who do not meet criteria for the Adult Transitions Team.
• Working alongside Occupational Therapist/ASCW’S in the team to ensure a person has a streamline approach to their intervention.
• Review and monitor support arrangements feedback any concerns regarding quality of care.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies procedures and statutory frameworks.
• Manage a defined caseload, prioritising work effectively and working with autonomy.

We offer:

• Access to regular reflective supervision which empowers you to make evidence informed professional judgements drawing on the latest research, theories, legislation, and policy frameworks.
• Learning and Development programme, Quality Assurance Framework and membership to Research in Practice (RIP): providing every member of staff access to their resources.
• Opportunities to access various training to enhance your skills, knowledge and performance as well as providing the opportunity to train in specific areas and access to regular legal and practice updates.

We are passionate about peer learning and offer group supervision and peer support groups where you can share your experience and learn from others.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is based at the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Adult Social Work and working with people who may have experienced significant past trauma, we are looking for someone who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified Social Worker registered or due to be registered with Social Work England.
• Experience of working in statutory adult social care.
• Ability to manage a complex case load and make sound, defensible decisions.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation including Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Experience of effective multiagency working
• Strong communication skills and ability to produce high-quality written work
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise workload, manage risk and meet deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working with adults who may self-neglect, hoard, have difficulty engaging with social care, people with multiple interacting health conditions, drug and alcohol misuse etc
• Experience of the CHC and joint funding processes.
• Experience of supporting and mentoring others or contributing to service development
• Experience of working with providers and brokerage.
• Successful completion of ASYE.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Claire Gumus, Team Manager, Enhanced Support Team on [phone removed] or [email removed] or Heather Taylor,Senior S