Senior Social Worker - Continuing Health Care Team

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Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join our Continuing Health Care Team. This role is integral in jointly completing continuing health care assessments in partnership with our health colleagues to ensure individuals have their care and support needs met.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced social worker who has a keen interest in continuing health care and complex needs. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about advocating for the person and their health needs and committed to supporting professionals to develop their knowledge and skills.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of people following a change in their health, then we want to hear from you. Come and join a team who are invested in your professional development and in promoting healthy ageing for the people of Milton Keynes.

If you would like an informal conversation or to drop in and meet us before applying, you are warmly welcome to do so. Please contact Parita Shah on 01908 254456 to arrange.

About the Continuing Health Team

Our team consists of experienced social workers who work collaboratively with health professionals and support individuals to access the appropriate health and social care support to meet their eligible needs. We uphold professional standards, promote resilience, and ensure the wellbeing of both service users and our team members.

Your Professional Development

We recently developed and implemented our new career progression framework to create long-term stability in the social worker workforce by creating opportunities for progression and supporting professional development. We also provide formal development for experienced social workers by supporting them to undertake practice educator, best interest assessor, and AMHP training.

Your Wellbeing

We understand the importance of providing support and resources to promote resilience and well-being. We are committed to providing a range of support and guidance to ensure that colleagues are able to seek the appropriate level of support, should they need to.

This includes:

• Access to MKCC Employee Assistance Programme and Health Champions.
• Variety of Health and Wellbeing Workshops.
• Quality supervision and reflective practice sessions.
• Clear career progression pathways and support for professional registration fees.
• Exceptional pension scheme and other benefits.

Interviews for this role will be held on 19 or 20 December 2024

Main Responsibility

• Undertake assessments as outlined under the Care Act 2014 and NHS Continuing Health Care Guidance. Work in partnership with colleagues external to social care to holistically meet individuals' needs.
• Work in partnership with NHS Continuing Health Care colleagues to holistically assess individuals' needs and positively challenge eligibility/funding decisions.
• Complete safeguarding enquiries, mental capacity assessments, and best interest's decisions.
• Manage a complex caseload, managing the competing demands and time pressures of completing NHS Continuing Health Care within the 28-day time period.
• Support other colleagues across adult social care with Continuing Health Care cases.
• Attend and contribute to regular supervision meetings to ensure effective communication and informed decision-making.
• Be responsible for updating own development, sharing best practices and case law to maintain high standards of care.
• Provide professional leadership to other members of the team to aid their practice and development.

The Ideal Candidate

• Detailed knowledge of legal frameworks and policies such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Health and Social Care Act 2022, and Continuing Health Care Framework.
• Post-qualification experience as a Best Interest Assessor/Practice Educator/Approved Mental Health Practitioner is desirable.
• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Applicants are encouraged to complete the personal summary section of the application. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and knowledge.
• For this role, the candidate is required to have a full UK driving licence, along with access to a vehicle. Evidence of the driving licence and vehicle insurance with business insurance will be required from the candidate should they be offered this position. Without this documentation, the candidate will not be appointable.
• Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks, an Enhanced DBS will be actioned for you (unless you are on the DBS Update Service).

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension - everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - low-cost leasing of electric and low-emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Our roles are either designated 'site-based' or 'home-based'. 'Site-based' roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst 'home-based' roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern, and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.

We're very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful, and collaborative.

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation, there are always new opportunities to explore when it's time for a new role.