Wakefield Council would like to invite you to be part of our transformational changes in social work within secondary mental health services. We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Social Worker or Senior Social Worker with Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) to join the Enhanced Team East based at Baghill house in Pontefract.

As a Senior Social Worker, your knowledge, skills and experience will be pivotal in promoting wellbeing and improving the outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions. You will be part of an integrated team, working collaboratively with colleagues from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust to support adults aged 18-65. You will play an important role in supporting people to live as independently as possible and empower individuals to make autonomous decisions around their care and support needs. 

You will need experience working with people with mental health needs, have excellent assessment and communication skills, along with a good understanding of legislation particularly the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983.  As part of your role, you will undertake planned interventions, complete Care Act conversation-style assessments, strength-based reviews, and develop person-centred and outcome-focussed care and support plans. As an experienced Social Worker, it is expected that you will have completed a post qualifying award or training, and that you have up-to-date professional expertise and experience in in the relevant fields of legislation, national policy, and best practice. 

What will be expected from me?

You will be responsible for a complex but manageable caseload, assist the Team Manager in providing support to other members of the team, supervising student social workers and other employees as required.

What would I be doing?

• You will manage a complex workload in accordance with the directorate and other agency policies and procedures, applying a multi-disciplinary approach.
  • You will promote and develop collaborative working with allied health and social care professionals.
  • You will prepare a range of reports on clients, as appropriate, in accordance with policies and procedures.

Essential requirements:

• Degree in Social Work, or relevant Social Work qualifications recognised by the Central Council for Education & Training in Social Work/Registration with SWE
  • Evidence of successful completion of post qualifying award or training
  • Evidence of maintaining skill and knowledge base in professional field through post qualifying training or other opportunities
  • Ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with service users, carers, and groups
  • Excellent communication and engagement skills with a commitment to improving service delivery.

What We Offer

We are an ambitious and high achieving council, committed to continuous improvements and innovation.  We are looking to employ talented and dedicated individuals who share our vision and values.  Wakefield is a learning organisation, committed to supporting staff development.

• Outstanding professional development opportunities
• A variety of tailored and varied training opportunities
• Excellent salary with incremental increases
• Opportunity for flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance.
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Occupational pension scheme.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

In accordance with the Council’s Probation Procedure this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process, or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Alexis Holmes - aholmes@wakefield.gov.uk