Social Care Practitioner

Job responsibilities

To act as the key point of contact for the customer and coordinate any activities that are required to meet the outcome for the customer. There will be a requirement to undertake Care Act assessments, working with the customer, to identify outcomes and how these can be met. The Social Care Practitioner will be the person who liaises with other professionals to ensure that the customer has an organised and coordinated approach in order to meet their outcomes Specific duties and responsibilities include:

Act as the key point of contact for customers, including those who fund their own care, who require our services and coordinate any care, advice and services that the customer may require. This includes care management, provision of equipment, arrangement of services and advice and support.

Undertake Care Act Assessments with customers in line with the Care Act 2014 and other legislation and organisational policy to identify and agree outcomes and how they can be achieved. It will be necessary at all times to ensure that the customer has choice and control and that the services provided are cost effective and that any risks are clearly identified. Apply the eligibility criteria and financial eligibility in relation to the provision of services. Operate within legislative framework for adult social care.

Recognise the role and needs of Carers, offering Carers assessments and providing appropriate advice and support.

Management of own caseload, prioritising work and tasks appropriately and using effective time management skills. Working within guidelines and using own discretion, identify when specialist (Social workers, Occupational Therapists, other professionals etc.) involvement is required, make the appropriate referrals and ensure effective liaison with the specialists. Arrange case conferences (Multidisciplinary and/or multiagency) if required.

Ensure effective, timely and appropriate communication with the customers, colleagues, managers and any specialists who may be involved with the customer.

Be responsible for recording accurate and timely information on the Liquid Logic Database and able to use basic Microsoft software. Adhere to Data Protection/General Data Protection Regulations legislation and confidentiality.

Understand and deliver on departmental priorities for high quality services, aiming for good results in key Performance indicators.

Able to identify if a vulnerable person may be at risk and make a safeguarding adult at risk alert in line with the Safeguarding policy.

Analyse and appraise work and personal development through discussion, participation in supervision and annual appraisal with line manager. Have a commitment to ongoing development.

Invite feedback, reporting to the Programme Lead, Customer Services as appropriate. Understand and adhere to Complaints Procedures and advise people appropriately if they wish to complain.

Be able to respond to civil emergencies under instruction

Experience

Essential

• High level of relevant and practical experience acquired on the job.
• An advanced understanding of relevant procedures and working practices.
• Advanced knowledge of specialist function relevant to service area.
• Excellent ICT skills including use of Microsoft applications and specialist systems.
• Significant experience of working with clients and client groups with complex needs.
• Proven ability to carry out client risk assessments to identify eligibility for service provision
• and/or risk of harm.
• Proven ability to advise and guide clients to encourage development and to access services to
• which they are entitled.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with clients, client groups and colleagues.
• Proven ability to interpret situations, analyse behaviours to make judgements and deliver
• interventions to achieve outcomes.
• Proven ability to deliver training.

Qualifications

Essential

• HNC, NVQ level 4 or equivalent experience/skills.
• Educated to at least GCSE (Grade C or above) or equivalent standard, including good passes
• in English & Maths
• Excellent ICT skills including use of Microsoft applications and specialist systems.
• Has up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and
• the safeguarding of, vulnerable adults.
• Previous experience of working in a health or social care environment or similar setting
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work on own initiative against deadlines
• Work without direct supervision and be self-sufficient in planning & organising own work
• Ability to prioritise tasks & work on own initiative against deadlines
• Ability to take ownership for actions & results
• Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Good understanding of the national agenda for Transformation in Social Care
• Ability to work in a person-centred way to meet individual outcomes
• Ability to work with people to balance choice and independence with risk
• To keep up to date with current policies, work practices within Social care. Understands and
• complies with legislative and policy framework of Adult Social Care.
• Fully fluent in English

Desirable

• Use of Liquid Logic database
• Awareness of Government initiatives in relation to Transformation of Social Care

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).