Job title: Newly Qualified Social Worker / Social Worker

Salary: SO1 - PO1 £33,366 - £39,513

Hours: Full time & Part time available

Contract: Permanent

Location: Area Social Work

We are recruiting to a number of area social work positions throughout Leeds.

As a Social Worker you’ll thrive on being part of something bigger and to join us in our ambition to become the Best City, working together as a Team for Leeds, in a stable and supportive environment with wide range of experiences in Social Work.

In the Adult Social Care (ASC) service our vision is:

 “We want every person in Leeds that needs care and support to live in the place they call home with the people and things they love, in communities that look out for one another, doing the things that matter most to them”.

Our focus is on helping people to live and stay independent for as long as possible, utilising the strengths of individuals and communities, helping Leeds to become the best city to grow old in.  If you have the motivation and desire to support us on this journey, then we would love to hear from you. 

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Social Worker, you will bring to the role:

• You need to have some experience in Adult Social Care and have appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent). Registered with Social Work England. We welcome applications from NQSW`s.
• You will need to have knowledge and understanding of Adult Social Care legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds. Significant experience of working in a statutory and multidisciplinary setting is an advantage.
• Must have vast experience in effectively planning, manage a variety of workload including some complex cases, prioritise, and evaluate work with service users. Can assess needs and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach.
• A high level of effective written and verbal communication as well as the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers, and colleagues.
• Ability to promote diversity and strive for equity of opportunity at all levels of our service, and we want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. You will also need to be motivated and have commitment to continuous development and service improvement.

You can read more in the following link Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours 

About the role

Leeds is a cosmopolitan, vibrant city which is located within a half hour drive to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.  We have been leaders in developing the strength-based approach to delivering social care and have helped others develop this positive way of working with people. We want everyone we work with to feel listened to and empowered, and for their support to reflect their hopes and what really matters to them.

We are currently recruiting  Social Workers for the Neighbourhood Team to support the delivery of Adult Social Care statutory duties including assessments, reviews, and Safeguarding.

As a Social Worker, you will be required to carry, manage, and monitor a variety of workload including some complex cases and diverse cases using a person-centred approach within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from Senior Social Workers and Team Managers. Complex cases may be co-worked using social work professional frameworks and the Leeds Adult Social Care Strengths and Asset Based Practice Framework.

As a Social Worker in a Neighbourhood Team you will need to demonstrate an ability to prioritise your caseload alongside working within the teams duty system. You will be required to be flexible and responsive in your approach to your caseload and the needs of the wider team and area as appropriate.

You will also need to demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with our co-located health colleagues to meet the needs and create a healthy and happy environment for the people of Leeds.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.

• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Team Manager Danielle Steel Danielle.steel@leeds.gov.uk

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2024. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description 

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of a Team Manager, and with support from Senior Social Workers, provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to adults, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines.

The post holder must at all times carry out responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Social Work England Professional Standards

Core Responsibilities: 

• To carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures. 
• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
• To monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in accordance with directorate procedures.
• To use a Safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on an analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required.
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits of data protection.
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure an integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi agency meetings in line with procedures.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• To work to and within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework.       
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
• To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.

Job Overview:

To undertake cases, demonstrating an ability to adapt the approach from first principles to deal with more complex or unusual cases, assessing and managing risks appropriately. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.  Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users, and supervise students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Undertake Community Care assessments. 
• Investigate complaints of alleged neglect and/or abuse of adults. 
• Undertake safeguarding investigations in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures. 
• Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families and carers: provide advice and support: promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.
• Under clear supervision, contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
• Work with adults, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
• Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court order.
• Construct value for money care packages; commission a range of services for individuals, groups and communities designed to minimise risk and improve quality of life for service users and their carers.
• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.
• Manage an allocated caseload of service users, regularly monitor, review and evaluate changes in service user needs and ensure that all services contribute effectively to the support plan and remain an effective use of resources.
• Work with relevant agencies, including the convening and chairing of meetings.
• Work to be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. This may include elements of co-working more challenging/complex casework alongside more experienced workers.
• Carry out the Practice Educator Level 1 role.
• Participate in office duty on a rota basis, responding to new referrals, assessing urgency of requests and with advice and support, if appropriate, implementing actions to meet immediate needs.
• With appropriate supervision and guidance and following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience undertake Mental Capacity Act Assessments as set out in statute, document and evidence assessments as required within statutorily defined time frames and make recommendations for authorisation.
• Where required, following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience to undertake social work duties with regard to the Mental Health Act 2007, including assessment and admissions, where authorised for this duty.
• Participate in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) rota where professionally qualified.

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers - Transitions Team:

• To demonstrate an ability to understand how to prepare a young person for adulthood, utilising a creative approach to maximise their independence skills.

• To be able to form relationships with young people and their families, to manage change and work alongside other professionals.

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers – Mental Health:

• Work with people aged 18+ with Mental Health issues.

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers – Emergency Duty Team:

• To provide an out of hours city-wide high quality emergency social work service for all client groups in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices within Adult Social Care and Children’s services and within statutory guidelines.

• To undertake assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983 and provide responses in relation to children where they are referred as in need of protection.

• To fully participate in the EDT Duty Rota.

• Working within safeguarding procedures, to make enquiries and manage risks where children have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.

• To provide crisis responses to carers who are in need of an urgent provision to alleviate a situation.

Qualifications:

Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).  Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration.  The post holder should have achieved or commenced the Practice Educator Level 1 qualification after 2 years post qualification but within an agreed timescale of starting in this post.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: This post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

In discharging its function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the Directorate is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975 ) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.

Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method Of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills required:

• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with users. 
• Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
• Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers and colleagues.
• Able to engage individuals, families, carers and workers from other agencies.
• Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
• Ability to devise and implement service and support plans.
• Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
• Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Ability to make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.
• Ability to develop safeguarding investigative skills.
• Ability to chair routine or less complex meetings.

Knowledge required:

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc ,BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
• Registration with Social Work England
• Knowledge of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Knowledge off relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on service users and families e.g. drugs, alcohol domestic violence.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
• Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
  Report Writing and Communications Skills.
• Completion of NQSW programme or the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Approved Mental Health Professional or willing to undertake appropriate training if required on completion of 2 years post qualification experience.
• Best Interest Assessor Qualified on completion of 2 years post qualification experience if required.

Experience required:

• Of implementing a person centred/child focused approach.
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
• Of advocacy and user involvement.
• Of using initiative and a commitment to developing services.
• Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
• Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
• Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
• Of using supervision effectively.
• Minimum of 12 months post qualification experience of working in a statutory setting.
• Experience of devising, implementing and reviewing support plans.

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required:

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
• Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development.
• Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Knowledge required:

• Of working with a wide range of user groups.

Job Description - SO1 

Job Purpose:  

Under the general direction of a Team Manager and with support and mentoring from more senior Social Workers, provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to adults, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines

The post holder must at all times carry out responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council Code of Practice.

Core Responsibilities: 

• To carry a caseload and undertake assessment of service users and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures. 
• On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
• To monitor and contribute to the review of plans relating to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in accordance with directorate procedures.
• Working within the Safeguarding Framework to investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on an analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required.
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits of data protection.
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure an integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• To work to and within the prescribed Professional Capabilities Framework      .
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
• To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.

Job Overview: Responsible for an allocated caseload under supervision, including assessment and appropriate management of risks.  Make proactive use of supervision to reflect critically on practice, explore different approaches to your work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.  Consolidate, develop and demonstrate comprehensive understanding and application, of the theories and methods of social work practice including awareness of current issues and new evidence based practice research.

Responsibilities:

• Undertake assessments including safeguarding investigations deemed suitable for allocation to a newly qualified worker.  In undertaking assessments, wherever possible, consider Self Directed Support options.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families and carers: provide advice and support: help resolve conflict, where appropriate under clear supervision.

• Under clear supervision, contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already

      in receipt of services.

• With supervision, work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed decisions enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.

• Manage an allocated caseload of service users and, with supervision, regularly monitor, review and evaluate changes in service user needs and ensure that all services contribute effectively to the support plan and remain an effective use of resources.

• Together with an appropriately experienced worker, work to a range of legal options to support investigation and protection.

• Assist in the development of protection plans and commission a range of services designed to minimise risks and improve the quality of life for service users and their carers.

• Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.

Specific Responsibilities for Social Workers - Transitions Team

• To contribute to the common assessment framework and future needs planning for young people aged 14+.

Progression

On successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment programme, the newly qualified Social Worker will progress onto the Social Worker role and job description.

Equality & Diversity: Within the Council this is about making sure that everyone can fully join in the social, cultural, political and economic life of the city.   The City Council is committed to its value of Treating People Fairly; this includes our staff and the people of Leeds. We will make sure that we do not discriminate against people because of their age, impairment, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief, social class, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and marital status, responsibility for dependants, trade union activity or for any other unfair reason.  

Health & Safety: The Council believes that ensuring the safety, health and well-being of employees, contractors, service users (including learners) and all others affected by our activities is essential to accomplishing our ambition and values. As a large employer we are committed to being an exemplar for good practice and contributing to the wider health agenda by ensuring that work doesn’t contribute to poor health, using the workplace to improve health and well-being, and supporting our workforce to be “Happy, Healthy and Here”. We expect all employees to contribute to their own individual safety and well being and to that of others who may be affected by their actions.    

Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).   Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS This post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

In discharging its function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the Directorate is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.

Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method Of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain registration. 

Skills required

• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users.  
• Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
• Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers and colleagues.
  Able to engage individuals, families, carers and workers from other agencies.
  Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
• Ability to devise and implement service and support plans.
• Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
• Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Ability to make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.

Knowledge required

• Appropriate social work professional qualification (BA or MA in Social Work).
• Registration with Social Work England
• Knowledge of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Of relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on service users and families eg drugs, alcohol or domestic violence.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
• Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities
• Report writing and Communications Skills

Experience required

• Of implementing a person centred focused approach.
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
• Of advocacy and user involvement.
• Of using initiative and a commitment to developing services.
• Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
• Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
• Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
• Of using supervision effectively.

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
• Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development.
• Registration with Social Work England upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Skills required

• Possession of a full current driving licence.