Job summary
This post has arisen out of the revised s75 agreement between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Buckinghamshire Council.
Social Work Assistants carry out a range of social care tasks including triaging referral, assessment of need and review of existing packages of care for service users and carers under the Care Act 2014.
You will arrange for care packages to be set up or amended in line with Care Act and s117 (MHA) eligibility criteria. Training and support to develop your existing knowledge and skills is available within this supportive and experienced Early Resolution and Safeguarding Team. While working closely with multi-disciplinary teams that support client with mental health needs in the community and in hospital. Your line management and direct support sits within the dedicated social care structure.
The post-holder will be required to visit people in their own homes and in placements across Buckinghamshire and input directly in the Council's electronic information system, LAS. There is an expectation for the post-holder to train to carry out the Appropriate Adult function under the Police & Criminal Evidence Act and act in this capacity on a rota basis.
Main duties of the job
Undertake Care Act assessments for adults and their carers who are ordinarily resident in Buckinghamshire and appear to be in need of care and support.
Triage new referrals for Care Act Assessments.
Using a strengths-based approach you will help adults and their families make best use of community resources to support them to live as independently as possible.
Arrange for commissioned services to be put in place where necessary, in line with eligibility and Council policy.
Review existing packages of care in line with the Care Act and s117 MHA.
You will develop a good understanding of the Council's charging and top-up and choice policies and give information and advice to adults and their families when assessing and arranging care and support.
Work jointly with Social Worker and health colleagues to deliver a supportive and empowering service to adults and their families.
About us
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive:"Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are:"Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
- Excellent opportunities for career progression
- Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
- NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
- Competitive pension scheme
- Lease car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
- Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description
Job responsibilities
The s75 consultation has created a structure for delivering social care within Oxford Health in Buckinghamshire and streamlined the management and reporting processes. The Early Resolution and Safeguarding Team are a stand alone team who work closely with our Oxford Health and Social Care colleagues across the trust.
Social Work Assistants is role within this structure brings opportunities for workers to extend and develop their skills and knowledge. There are opportunities for career progression into Buckinghamshire Council's Apprenticeship programme to become a qualified Social Worker. Training and development opportunities are available from both Oxford Health and Buckinghamshire Council which provide a wide range of options for learning and development.
To assess and review the needs of clients referred to or already within the service. To develop high quality assessment, reviews and plans which focus on both which focus on both independence for and outcomes desiredby the individual. To work in partnership with other professionals and organisations.
See Job Description and Person Specification
Job description
Job responsibilities
The s75 consultation has created a structure for delivering social care within Oxford Health in Buckinghamshire and streamlined the management and reporting processes. The Early Resolution and Safeguarding Team are a stand alone team who work closely with our Oxford Health and Social Care colleagues across the trust.
Social Work Assistants is role within this structure brings opportunities for workers to extend and develop their skills and knowledge. There are opportunities for career progression into Buckinghamshire Council's Apprenticeship programme to become a qualified Social Worker. Training and development opportunities are available from both Oxford Health and Buckinghamshire Council which provide a wide range of options for learning and development.
To assess and review the needs of clients referred to or already within the service. To develop high quality assessment, reviews and plans which focus on both which focus on both independence for and outcomes desiredby the individual. To work in partnership with other professionals and organisations.
See Job Description and Person Specification
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding of assessment and support planning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults.
- A knowledge of services available to support vulnerable adults
- A willingness to learn and show an interest in new training opportunities
Desirable
- A working knowledge of local authority electronic recording systems
- A working knowledge of local authority finance and/or commissioning processes
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate with vulnerable adults and carers who are experiencing mental health distress
- Be able to work alone and use initiative within boundaries set by the Team Manager/Advanced Practitioner.
- Be able to work effectively within a complex professional environment.
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable
- To possess a Health and Social Care qualification/Certificate
- Educated to A Level standard or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience experience of working with vulnerable adults and adults with complex needs
- Experience of working with a variety of Microsoft Office systems.
- Experience of working with professionals within social care including social workers, nurses and occupational therapists.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a community mental health setting
- Experience of using the LAS electronic information system
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding of assessment and support planning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults.
- A knowledge of services available to support vulnerable adults
- A willingness to learn and show an interest in new training opportunities
Desirable
- A working knowledge of local authority electronic recording systems
- A working knowledge of local authority finance and/or commissioning processes
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate with vulnerable adults and carers who are experiencing mental health distress
- Be able to work alone and use initiative within boundaries set by the Team Manager/Advanced Practitioner.
- Be able to work effectively within a complex professional environment.
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable
- To possess a Health and Social Care qualification/Certificate
- Educated to A Level standard or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience experience of working with vulnerable adults and adults with complex needs
- Experience of working with a variety of Microsoft Office systems.
- Experience of working with professionals within social care including social workers, nurses and occupational therapists.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a community mental health setting
- Experience of using the LAS electronic information system
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
