Mental Health Social Worker – South and West – Ref 6991

The successful candidate will be placed in experienced social care teams with a stable workforce who make a real difference to the lives of individuals with mental health conditions.

We have fully implemented an exciting transformation programme in the way that Social Care is delivered within Devon Partnership Trust.

There are now more Assigned Social Workers in Devon Partnership Trust than ever before delivering the statutory functions of the Local Authority.

We are looking for enthusiastic Social Work professionals across Devon who can evidence a commitment to strengths-based practice, a real pride in their profession and passion for delivering a social care pathway to individuals accessing secondary mental health services.

Social Worker Career Pathway

We have implemented the first phase of a new Social Worker Career Pathway, with our vacancies available at the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) levels. Our Social Worker and Experienced Social Worker roles align with the national Professional Capability Framework (PCF) for Social Workers, which provides a robust structure for all local authorities to use as a way of standardising professional capabilities and provides a clear career pathway.

This is a fantastic opportunity to provide you with an achievable, clear pathway for your career; to enable you as a practitioner to reflect and identify your own practice and development on the PCF pathway.

If successful in being shortlisted for interview, your experience, skills and knowledge, will be assessed against the PCF domains and if found appointable, this will determine your appointment to either the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker level (Grade G).

With on-going learning and support from your line manager, those appointed as a Social Worker will be able to evidence incremental learning and submit an application in due course for progression to the Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) via a portfolio of supporting evidence against the PCF framework.

Duties

Delivering a social care pathway in line with the requirements of the Care Act 2014;
A strong focus on offering a personalised and person-centred approach to assessment, support planning, safeguarding and review;
Strong, effective communication skills as you will be working in partnership with other statutory and voluntary sector organisations;
Commitment to involving service users and carers in the delivery of a high quality and equitable service

About you

An experienced and qualified Social Worker (CQSW, DipSW, BA Hons, MA or equivalent) who is registered to practice with Social Work England (previously HCPC).

You will have completed the Assessed First Year in (post-qualifying) Social Work practice, if appropriate, and can demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development as we are committed to supporting you to look at post-qualifying opportunities during your career with us.

Bringing a comprehensive working knowledge of the issues currently impacting on social care delivery, you will be up-to-date with policy and practice development.

The roles require travelling significant distances, sometimes in urgent situations and without prior notice, in a rural environment where public transport may not be available.

You will need to hold a current full driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

Staff Testimonials

So much of social work practice is about working to empower, support and break down barriers within systems that oppress people. In this way, the function of assessment of people’s social care needs – alongside mental and physical health – is so vital, holistic and supportive. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of working in an inter-agency way, such as working with colleagues from health. This has re-enforced and galvanised my identity as a social worker and put me on the pathway to forensic mental health services.

(Amanda, Social Worker, South and West Social Care Team)

Working in the South and West Social Care Team gives me the opportunity to spend time with people and have meaningful conversations about their lives, and their hopes and aspirations for the future. Collaborative production of their support plan supports social work values. The team is supportive when concerns are identified and due processes followed. With each person’s situation being unique, opportunities are available for developing professional skills and reflection.  With the large geographical area, I am trusted to manage workflow and usually work independently but knowing regular team catch-ups provide the important peer support.

(Elaine, Social Worker, South & West Social Care Team)

What we can offer you

• We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
• We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
• Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview)
• Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
  As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as a Mental Health Social Worker has never been more attractive.
• If you are currently living, working or studying in the UK and are looking to relocate to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, relocation support of up to £10,000, may be available. Visa sponsorship may also be offered as part of the relocation support package, terms and conditions apply. Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.

For more information on this role please contact Helen Sowden, Social Care Team Manager on 01803 866225

We would also consider offering this post as a Secondment opportunity for Devon County Council employees.  Please ensure you obtain agreement from your line manager prior to making an application, as this is essential for your application to be considered.

Does the job role include personal care?: No

Working Patterns:

TBC

Essential details:

Please click here to view the Social Worker Job Description (Grade F)

Please click here to view the Experienced Social Worker Job Description (Grade G)

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.

• This role requires a DBS disclosure.