Adults – Social Worker Older People (Grade 11)

Job Category : Social Care – Qualified

Location :Powys County Council

Hours Per Week : 37.00

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time : 08:30

End Time : 16:45

Start:  Immediate Start

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Social work position in the Older Persons Team South.

The Older Persons Team work with people over the age of 65 years and their carers, using a Collaborative & Strengths -based, Outcome focused model of practice.

The localities that the Hay and Talgarth locality, Brecon locality, Crickhowell locality and Ystradgynlais locality.

You will need to have a good understanding of an outcome- focused approach to social work and the application of the principles & eligibility criteria set out in the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. 

You will need to have a sound understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, its principles, and how to apply these in practice. 

You will have excellent assessment skills and the ability to engage with service users effectively, with a focus on promoting the wellbeing of older adults and their carer’s. You will have experience of developing and sustaining effective multi-agency working across a range of professional groups. 

The post holder will be undertaking assessments and reviews. The post will entail working with individuals to help them find appropriate solutions at times of personal challenge, as well as in the long term. It will also involve safeguarding people from abuse and neglect. You will be linking in with other agencies, the third sector, and health colleagues to provide a proportionate and timely response where it is identified that intervention is needed.

Experience

•          12 months post qualifying  experience of working with Older People and their  and carers

•          Experience of undertaking assessments of need and identifying and managing risks.

•          Experience of complex casework 

•          Experience of care management across the range of health and social care settings

Knowledge

•          Understanding of the needs of Older People  and their carers

•          Understanding of safeguarding and the issues affecting Older People and their carers

•          Knowledge of current legislation, national guidance and best practice relevant to the post.

•          Knowledge and implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 

Qualifications & Training

•          Appropriate social work qualification (i.e. Degree in Social Work, DipSW or equivalent).

•          Registration as Social Worker with CCW/CQC 

•          Commitment to undertake appropriate CPEL qualification

Safeguarding Requirements

•          Requirement to undertake an Enhanced DBS Check

Skills

•          Good communication skills, written and verbal.

•          Good IT skills.

•          Ability to organise, prioritise and manage a caseload.

•          Ability to build and maintain partnerships 

•          Ability to manage crisis, conflict resolution and challenging behaviours

•          Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practice.

•          Commitment to the principles of confidentiality.

•          Must have knowledge and commitment to the principles of social care as embodied in relevant legislation.

Other requirements 

•          Current driving licence or ability to travel extensively around the county.

• Ability to speak Welsh.


Principal Responsibilities:

1. The needs of older people  and their carers are assessed holistically, packages of care negotiated, monitored and reviewed within the first six weeks
2. Maintaining a small but very complex caseload.

• Risks to older people and others are assessed and balanced in a way that promotes independence of service users and their carers.  
• Recommendations about allocating scarce resources are made. 

• Equal opportunity and respect for diversity and difference is promoted. 

• Social inclusion of isolated and vulnerable people is promoted.

• Abuse of vulnerable adults is investigated.

• Collaboration and multi-disciplinary working with other agencies is strengthened. 

•  Accountable for actions through effective, accurate recording of decisions in line with policy and legislation.

1. Safeguarding the welfare of a vulnerable person at immediate risk of harm.

1. Engaging in direct work with older people and carer/s to carry out integrated assessment for older people