Wakefield Council would like to invite you to be part of our transformational changes in social work within secondary mental health services. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Social Worker and/or Approved Mental Health Professional to join the Older Peoples’ Community Mental Health Teams based at Baghill house, Pontefract and Drury Lane Health and Wellbeing Centre, Wakefield. If you are not a qualified AMHP, opportunity to train will be provided in the future.

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 work collaboratively with colleagues from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. You will work as part of an integrated team, alongside other professionals and support staff.

As a qualified and registered Social Worker/AMHP, you will play a key role in helping people to live as independently as possible and empower individuals to make autonomous decisions around their care and support needs. You will have a focus on promoting wellbeing and supporting people to achieve their outcomes. You will undertake assessments, including risk assessments, plan interventions, complete Care Act assessments, strength-based reviews, and develop person-centred, and outcome-focussed care and support plans. 

The role will include commissioning services for people with mental health difficulties across the West Wakefield catchment area. This role includes offering a comprehensive, dedicated, social care resource, for older people (65 years and above) who are experiencing mental health difficulties. 

You will have experience working with people who have 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 an experienced Social Worker/AMHP 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 the relevant fields of legislation, national policy, and best practice. You will be required to participate in and support a team and this will include being part of the AMHP rota if qualified to do so.

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.

• You will manage a complex workload with the support of senior colleagues in accordance with the directorate and other agency policies and procedures, applying a multi-discipline approach.
• You will undertake planned interventions, as required, across a range of statutory casework.
• You will ensure that, where appropriate, effective, and efficient enforcement action is taken.
• 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 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.

Desirable Requirements:

• Evidence of successful completion of AMHP or a willingness to attend post qualifying award or training.
• Evidence of and participation in continued professional development.

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.