LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON
Senior Social Work Practitioner GRADE: ME13with London Weighting and two increments for AMHP work DIRECTORATE: Adult Social Care Integrated Care & Public Health HOURS OF WORK: 35 RESPONSIBLE TO: Team Manager (LINE MANAGER) ACCOUNTABLE TO: Service Manager Head of Service, Mental Health RESPONSIBLE FOR: Social Work Staff, Support Workers, students or trainees as required LIAISES WITH: Multi Professionals, including in the Mental Health Trust - Inpatient and Community Services. Housing, Public Health. Adult, Older People and Children's Social Care and Health Services. Primary and Secondary Care Services. Statutory and non- Statutory Services OVERVIEW OF THE POST To provide advice consultation and professional supervision to a group of specialist mental health social care staff To be a lead practitioner in the team, ensuring the provision of a high quality and safe specialist mental health service to the defined service user group. The post holder will be expected to deliver a range of evidence-based interventions which will promote strengths base approach, social inclusion for this group of service users, who Experience low, moderate or severe or mental health issues. The post holder will work in partnership with a range of other services which may include EIS, Home Treatment Teams, Integrated Recovery Hubs Older People, Integrated Recovery Hubs (IRH), Acute, Inpatients Services, Voluntary and independent and community services. The principal purpose is to provide a person cantered approach, focusing on Strength, ability, and the resident existing networks The senior will be relied on to lead by example The Postholder will practice to the Department Social Work Model and guide colleagues in the team in this framework The post holder will work within the safeguarding adults and safeguarding children frameworks across the London Borough of Merton Able to act consistent with the Values of the Council KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Foster recovery through empowerment of Residents and carers by involving them in the planning of their care Establishing and maintaining consistent supportive relationships, which encourages increased self-determination and responsibility for service users and their care. Offer a range of evidence-based interventions and risk management approaches enabling the residents and carers to reduce and manage symptoms and high-risk behaviour. Offer practice guidance to colleagues in the team Be proactive, innovative and creative in delivering care, enabling the facilitation of service user's recovery. Engage residents and carers in relapse prevention and crisis planning providing intervention that maximize the ability to resolve crisis and prevent hospitalization. Support early discharge from both inpatient and Home Treatment Team by providing regular, formal reviews. Deliver a collaborative and responsive service through practice that is dictated by service users/carers intelligence and experience of their own situation . Display expertise in understanding and applying Social Care, Mental Health, Mental Capacity legislation and guidance. Display awareness of the wider range of Social Care legislation and policy, Be creative in ensuring information and advice is delivered in manner that will be receptive to others Act as Case Manager to a defined caseload of service users. Respond swiftly to crisis, providing intervention to prevent admission. Work closely with Carers. Ability to act independently carrying out function on the team's Duty system while also seeking to consult with seniors as required Recognize racial, cultural, sexual preference and linguistic differences. Ensure that record keeping/documentation reflects, prescribed departmental expectation. Maximize the use of resources within the team and available in the community. Have an understanding and work with the mental Health trust and Integrated Commissioning Board. Carry out the responsibility of being part of the Lead group in the service Ensure that care and support plans are reviewed and updated to take into account of the most recent information regarding Residents and Carer needs. It should reflect their views, their voice . Undertake risk assessment/management and positive risk taking by developing genuine interventions with those you are working with Carry out SAM or Enquiry Officer Duty under Safeguarding procedures, as appropriate Ensure activity/contact is entered promptly on Mosaic, conforming with Department Recording requirement. Provide carers assessment and care plans or support their production Work with Brokerage, mental health Social Work Service process to implement Care Packages, including personalised budgets, in the community. Knowledgeable about financial implications of the Care Act 2014, and Departmental policy and procedure arising from this Guide colleagues to ensure discussion regards Financial implication of the Cre Act are discussed with residents and Carers 3. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Maintain professional relationships with other agencies, e.g.,; Neighbourhood Services, Police, Probation Service, Education, Advocacy, PALS, Benefits and Voluntary Services to ensure provision of a quality package of care and service delivery for the service users and their carers. 4. SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY Participate in service development and partake in the evaluation of the quality of service delivery. Support and facilitate initiative in developing service user's participation groups. Assist in planning, undertaking and evaluating specific projects related to clinical practice within the community. 5. MANAGEMENT/ AUDIT Implement and participate in orientation and local induction programmes for staff. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within the agreed time scale. Participate in research, audit reviews and other initiatives in accordance to expected Governance. Be responsible for ensuring that accurate records are kept in accordance with Council policies and legal requirements. Report all complaints and or incidents in accordance with Local Authority procedures and ensure that the line manager is informed. Actively contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures based upon best practice. 6. TRAINING Ensure that own knowledge and skills are constantly updated. Attain appropriate levels of computer literacy Facilitate students achieving their competencies relevant to their outcome. Attend mandatory training as outlined by Trust policies. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post, through continuous Professional Development Be an approved mental health practitioner, providing assessments as required by the mental health act. Or willingness to undertake AMHP training if required Undertake SAM training and practice as a SAM 7. PROFESSIONAL To participate in the AMHP Duty rota, providing a source of support and advice to those undertaking duties under the Mental Health Act 1983, and to provide specialist cover as necessary. Have a working knowledge of current appropriate legislations - The Children's Act, Care Act (2014), Carers legislation and the Mental Health Act (1983) and other relevant legislation. Be aware of and adhere to Local Authority procedures. Set own objectives through Appraisal, work towards achieving these Deliver and engage in regular professional supervision. Adhere to and work within the guidelines of own professional code of practice. Maintain registration of care profession and membership in relation to the relevant professional qualification Act as a positive role model for colleagues. Ensure that full regard is taken of the dignity, individuality and well-being of residents and carers. Be accountable for own practice and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence. Advocate and promote self-advocacy for service users/carers. 8. COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Communicate effectively with other members of the service pertaining the assessment, care plan, risk factors, relapse signature, sign of deterioration in service user's mental and physical conditions. Ensure that information of a sensitive and contentious content is handled with professionalism and communicated appropriately to clearly identified persons. Respond to emergency situations in a clear and supportive manner showing sensitivity and direction at all times. 9. CONFIDENTIALITY In the course of your employment you will handle confidential personal information You must not read, discuss, disclose or pass on confidential information unless it is necessary in the pursuance of your legitimate duties. Unauthorized disclosure of such information will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter. In addition it is important that you realize that if this confidentiality is breached, this may result in civil proceedings or a criminal prosecution. 10. HEALTH AND SAFETY . click apply for full job details
Senior Social Work Practitioner GRADE: ME13with London Weighting and two increments for AMHP work DIRECTORATE: Adult Social Care Integrated Care & Public Health HOURS OF WORK: 35 RESPONSIBLE TO: Team Manager (LINE MANAGER) ACCOUNTABLE TO: Service Manager Head of Service, Mental Health RESPONSIBLE FOR: Social Work Staff, Support Workers, students or trainees as required LIAISES WITH: Multi Professionals, including in the Mental Health Trust - Inpatient and Community Services. Housing, Public Health. Adult, Older People and Children's Social Care and Health Services. Primary and Secondary Care Services. Statutory and non- Statutory Services OVERVIEW OF THE POST To provide advice consultation and professional supervision to a group of specialist mental health social care staff To be a lead practitioner in the team, ensuring the provision of a high quality and safe specialist mental health service to the defined service user group. The post holder will be expected to deliver a range of evidence-based interventions which will promote strengths base approach, social inclusion for this group of service users, who Experience low, moderate or severe or mental health issues. The post holder will work in partnership with a range of other services which may include EIS, Home Treatment Teams, Integrated Recovery Hubs Older People, Integrated Recovery Hubs (IRH), Acute, Inpatients Services, Voluntary and independent and community services. The principal purpose is to provide a person cantered approach, focusing on Strength, ability, and the resident existing networks The senior will be relied on to lead by example The Postholder will practice to the Department Social Work Model and guide colleagues in the team in this framework The post holder will work within the safeguarding adults and safeguarding children frameworks across the London Borough of Merton Able to act consistent with the Values of the Council KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Foster recovery through empowerment of Residents and carers by involving them in the planning of their care Establishing and maintaining consistent supportive relationships, which encourages increased self-determination and responsibility for service users and their care. Offer a range of evidence-based interventions and risk management approaches enabling the residents and carers to reduce and manage symptoms and high-risk behaviour. Offer practice guidance to colleagues in the team Be proactive, innovative and creative in delivering care, enabling the facilitation of service user's recovery. Engage residents and carers in relapse prevention and crisis planning providing intervention that maximize the ability to resolve crisis and prevent hospitalization. Support early discharge from both inpatient and Home Treatment Team by providing regular, formal reviews. Deliver a collaborative and responsive service through practice that is dictated by service users/carers intelligence and experience of their own situation . Display expertise in understanding and applying Social Care, Mental Health, Mental Capacity legislation and guidance. Display awareness of the wider range of Social Care legislation and policy, Be creative in ensuring information and advice is delivered in manner that will be receptive to others Act as Case Manager to a defined caseload of service users. Respond swiftly to crisis, providing intervention to prevent admission. Work closely with Carers. Ability to act independently carrying out function on the team's Duty system while also seeking to consult with seniors as required Recognize racial, cultural, sexual preference and linguistic differences. Ensure that record keeping/documentation reflects, prescribed departmental expectation. Maximize the use of resources within the team and available in the community. Have an understanding and work with the mental Health trust and Integrated Commissioning Board. Carry out the responsibility of being part of the Lead group in the service Ensure that care and support plans are reviewed and updated to take into account of the most recent information regarding Residents and Carer needs. It should reflect their views, their voice . Undertake risk assessment/management and positive risk taking by developing genuine interventions with those you are working with Carry out SAM or Enquiry Officer Duty under Safeguarding procedures, as appropriate Ensure activity/contact is entered promptly on Mosaic, conforming with Department Recording requirement. Provide carers assessment and care plans or support their production Work with Brokerage, mental health Social Work Service process to implement Care Packages, including personalised budgets, in the community. Knowledgeable about financial implications of the Care Act 2014, and Departmental policy and procedure arising from this Guide colleagues to ensure discussion regards Financial implication of the Cre Act are discussed with residents and Carers 3. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Maintain professional relationships with other agencies, e.g.,; Neighbourhood Services, Police, Probation Service, Education, Advocacy, PALS, Benefits and Voluntary Services to ensure provision of a quality package of care and service delivery for the service users and their carers. 4. SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY Participate in service development and partake in the evaluation of the quality of service delivery. Support and facilitate initiative in developing service user's participation groups. Assist in planning, undertaking and evaluating specific projects related to clinical practice within the community. 5. MANAGEMENT/ AUDIT Implement and participate in orientation and local induction programmes for staff. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within the agreed time scale. Participate in research, audit reviews and other initiatives in accordance to expected Governance. Be responsible for ensuring that accurate records are kept in accordance with Council policies and legal requirements. Report all complaints and or incidents in accordance with Local Authority procedures and ensure that the line manager is informed. Actively contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures based upon best practice. 6. TRAINING Ensure that own knowledge and skills are constantly updated. Attain appropriate levels of computer literacy Facilitate students achieving their competencies relevant to their outcome. Attend mandatory training as outlined by Trust policies. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post, through continuous Professional Development Be an approved mental health practitioner, providing assessments as required by the mental health act. Or willingness to undertake AMHP training if required Undertake SAM training and practice as a SAM 7. PROFESSIONAL To participate in the AMHP Duty rota, providing a source of support and advice to those undertaking duties under the Mental Health Act 1983, and to provide specialist cover as necessary. Have a working knowledge of current appropriate legislations - The Children's Act, Care Act (2014), Carers legislation and the Mental Health Act (1983) and other relevant legislation. Be aware of and adhere to Local Authority procedures. Set own objectives through Appraisal, work towards achieving these Deliver and engage in regular professional supervision. Adhere to and work within the guidelines of own professional code of practice. Maintain registration of care profession and membership in relation to the relevant professional qualification Act as a positive role model for colleagues. Ensure that full regard is taken of the dignity, individuality and well-being of residents and carers. Be accountable for own practice and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence. Advocate and promote self-advocacy for service users/carers. 8. COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Communicate effectively with other members of the service pertaining the assessment, care plan, risk factors, relapse signature, sign of deterioration in service user's mental and physical conditions. Ensure that information of a sensitive and contentious content is handled with professionalism and communicated appropriately to clearly identified persons. Respond to emergency situations in a clear and supportive manner showing sensitivity and direction at all times. 9. CONFIDENTIALITY In the course of your employment you will handle confidential personal information You must not read, discuss, disclose or pass on confidential information unless it is necessary in the pursuance of your legitimate duties. Unauthorized disclosure of such information will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter. In addition it is important that you realize that if this confidentiality is breached, this may result in civil proceedings or a criminal prosecution. 10. HEALTH AND SAFETY . click apply for full job details
LB RICHMOND UPON THAMES AND LB WANDSWORTH
Wandsworth, London
Assistant Service Manager £48,873 - £59,220 Permanent Full Time 36 hours Wandsworth Council Objective of role An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Service Manager to join our fast paced, dynamic, and evolving Community Advice and Support team (CAST) based in Wandsworth. CAST is a part of the front door service that aims to shift away from process-led intervention to a more dynamic-based practice model which places our clients at the very centre of all that we do. CAST also carry out the Safeguarding Adults screening function for concerns raised into adult social care. As the Assistant Service Manager, you will lead and supervise practitioners oversee service workflows, quality assurance and continuous improvement, while promoting a positive team culture and maintaining high professional standards. You will also ensure statutory duties-such as safeguarding, assessment, prevention and the provision of information and advice-are met, helping the service deliver safe, accountable and strengths based adult social care. About the role You will be required to: Provide daily professional supervision, direction, and leadership to Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Sensory Workers, Social Care Assessors and Social Care Advisors. You will oversee incoming work to the service, supporting prioritisation, risk management and timely responses. You will maintain oversight of case throughput, quality assurance processes and reporting requirements. You will act as a Safeguarding Adults Manager (SAM), chairing meetings where required and ensuring safeguarding duties are met. You will ensure the service operates in line with the Care Act 2014 and other statutory frameworks, including assessment, eligibility, care planning and review. You will work collaboratively with Locality and Specialist Teams, community health colleagues, voluntary sector partners and other agencies to promote joined up support for adults and carers. Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience: A recognised professional qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or other relevant Social Care profession, with registration to the appropriate professional body. Significant post qualification experience in a statutory social care or health setting working with adults. Experience supervising and managing staff including providing professional supervision and supporting day to day service operations. Strong understanding of adult safeguarding policy and the ability to act as a Safeguarding Adults Manager in accordance with Pan London procedures. Ability to use IT systems effectively to manage your own workload and support the oversight of team performance, including interpreting performance and financial data. Highly effective communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to adults, carers, other professionals and the wider public. Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026 Shortlisting Date: Week commencing Monday 1st June 2026 Interview Date: Week commencing 15th or 22nd June 2026 We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. To apply please upload your CV and complete a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role. For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact: Kathryn Harrington, Service Manager on Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone.We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Assistant Service Manager £48,873 - £59,220 Permanent Full Time 36 hours Wandsworth Council Objective of role An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Service Manager to join our fast paced, dynamic, and evolving Community Advice and Support team (CAST) based in Wandsworth. CAST is a part of the front door service that aims to shift away from process-led intervention to a more dynamic-based practice model which places our clients at the very centre of all that we do. CAST also carry out the Safeguarding Adults screening function for concerns raised into adult social care. As the Assistant Service Manager, you will lead and supervise practitioners oversee service workflows, quality assurance and continuous improvement, while promoting a positive team culture and maintaining high professional standards. You will also ensure statutory duties-such as safeguarding, assessment, prevention and the provision of information and advice-are met, helping the service deliver safe, accountable and strengths based adult social care. About the role You will be required to: Provide daily professional supervision, direction, and leadership to Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Sensory Workers, Social Care Assessors and Social Care Advisors. You will oversee incoming work to the service, supporting prioritisation, risk management and timely responses. You will maintain oversight of case throughput, quality assurance processes and reporting requirements. You will act as a Safeguarding Adults Manager (SAM), chairing meetings where required and ensuring safeguarding duties are met. You will ensure the service operates in line with the Care Act 2014 and other statutory frameworks, including assessment, eligibility, care planning and review. You will work collaboratively with Locality and Specialist Teams, community health colleagues, voluntary sector partners and other agencies to promote joined up support for adults and carers. Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience: A recognised professional qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy or other relevant Social Care profession, with registration to the appropriate professional body. Significant post qualification experience in a statutory social care or health setting working with adults. Experience supervising and managing staff including providing professional supervision and supporting day to day service operations. Strong understanding of adult safeguarding policy and the ability to act as a Safeguarding Adults Manager in accordance with Pan London procedures. Ability to use IT systems effectively to manage your own workload and support the oversight of team performance, including interpreting performance and financial data. Highly effective communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to adults, carers, other professionals and the wider public. Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026 Shortlisting Date: Week commencing Monday 1st June 2026 Interview Date: Week commencing 15th or 22nd June 2026 We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. To apply please upload your CV and complete a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role. For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact: Kathryn Harrington, Service Manager on Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone.We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
