Senior Nurse Care Manager (RNLD)/Senior Social Worker

Job title: Senior Nurse Care Manager (RNLD)/Senior Social Worker

Salary: £41,511 - £44,711

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds

As a Senior Nurse Care Manager/Senior Social Worker, you’ll thrive on enabling adults with learning disabilities to realise their potential and have a voice in decisions about their care and support.

It’s not only about managing a complex caseload; our Nurse Care Managers/Senior Social Workers change lives using a person-centred approach that values the uniqueness and strengths of individuals and involves their carers, family and wider community.

It’s an exciting time to join our adult social care team in Leeds. As key partners with the National Development Team for Inclusion we’ve led on developing the strengths-based approach to social care delivery. We want everyone we work with to feel listened to, empowered, and to receive support that reflects their hopes and what really matters to them.

Our Better Lives Strategy sets out our ambition for improving lives in Leeds. We want people with care and support needs to be able to do the things that matter to them and live in a good home within a caring community. It’s about more than social care, it’s a council-wide initiative so that services will work together to make a real difference to individuals and their communities.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

You will be qualified as:

1. A Registered Learning Disability Nurse and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council or Senior Social Worker (registered with SW England).
2. An Approved Mentor/Practice Assessor
3. Practice Educator Level 2 or equivalent, or undertake this on appointment (funded by us)

You will bring to the role:

1. a minimum of 2 years’ post qualifying experience
2. knowledge and understanding of current learning disability practice and the role of a multi-disciplinary team, including statutory and voluntary agencies
3. skills in effective assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of work in supporting people with learning disabilities
4. ability to build good working relationships with professional colleagues and partners, chair meetings and represent the council in a multi-agency environment and engage positively with individuals, families and carers
5. experience of using a person-centred approach, creativity in problem solving and reflective practice techniques
6. ability to lead, motivate, mentor and supervise staff, with a commitment to continuing professional development of self and others

About the role

As a Senior Nurse Care Manager/Senior Social Worker, you will be central to a network of partners working across health and social care in Leeds who are committed to increasing integration for better services supporting people with learning disabilities.

You will manage a complex and diverse caseload to safeguard the welfare of individuals, families and carers. You will assess needs and manage risk, devise and implement support plans, commission services and evaluate outcomes, working with colleagues and partners to provide direct support to individuals and their carers.

You won’t be doing this alone, you will be supported and guided by team managers, and in your turn play a key role in mentoring and advising other team members. We strive to achieve the right balance between support and challenge in all roles, to promote staff wellbeing as well as a clear career development pathway.

We value connection and professional relationships so we continually learn from each other and from the people and families we are working alongside. These strong support networks and learning opportunities enable our colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for the adults they work with.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

1. a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
2. membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
3. flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
4. a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
5. a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact:

Lynn Dunion, Team Manager on 0113 3786929 or lynn.dunion@leeds.gov.uk

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Purpose

With support from Team Manager, provide a high quality and comprehensive service to learning disabled adults, their carers and community in accordance with organisational needs, policy, practices and within statutory guidelines. At all times carry out responsibilities within the Nursing and Midwifery Code of Conduct or Social Work England.

Responsibilities

1. Manage a caseload of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which include assessment and management of risk, undertaking assessment of service users and carer needs using a person-centred approach providing advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
2. Carry out specific pieces of work on cases that are allocated to other team members.
3. Utilise professional skills, to provide direct support to individuals and their carers.
4. Undertake assessment, support planning, monitoring, reviewing, commissioning services and contributing to the service development for individuals by utilising a strength base approach.
5. Maintain and update case notes/records and provide concise, informative reports based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within legal context, providing evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
6. Maintain highest standards of conduct and integrity within organisation adhering to relevant Codes of Conduct.
7. Contribute to the improvement of future services including processes and procedures promoting innovative ways of developing support to service users.
8. Safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and their carers, very highly complex cases may be co-worked within the line management framework.
9. On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement service and support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, families and carers in line with procedures.
10. Analyse information to support the ongoing needs of service users, families and carers.
11. Monitor/contribute to review of plans relating to assessed needs of service users, families and carers.
12. Use Safeguarding framework to investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
13. Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
14. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with professionals internally and externally to ensure an integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
15. Contribute to promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
16. Responsible for understanding, applying relevant practice standards, policies and procedures, related theories and legislation, disseminating knowledge, contributing to high standard service.
17. Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
18. Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
19. Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
20. Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures. working within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework (framework to support professional development).
21. Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
22. Provide professional advice, and support to colleagues, including newly qualified Social Workers/Nurses. Supervise, support and provide development for student placements.
23. Work in a cross section of social work teams, through secondments etc. to continually develop and consolidate knowledge base and level of skills and enabling the assignment of more complex caseloads to meet the ever changing needs of individuals, their families and carers.
24. Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
25. Chair multi-agency meetings, determine plans and make recommendations to the Team Manager and contribute to the development of capacity within the community.
26. Supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.
27. Responsible for a complex caseload which includes the assessment of needs and management of risk regarding adults, carers and community.
28. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings.
29. Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users.
30. Undertake range of complex Community Care assessments, investigate complaints of alleged neglect and/or abuse of adults.
31. Undertake safeguarding investigations in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures, undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
32. Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, families and carers, providing advice and support to promote independence and early intervention, as necessary to help resolve conflict,
33. Contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
34. Work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
35. Work in court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders where necessary.
36. Construct value for money care packages; commission a range of services for individuals, groups and communities designed to minimise risk and improve quality of life for service users and their carers.
37. Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations.
38. Undertake Supported Learning in Practice, Approved Mentor/Practice Assessor Programme and assess and manage the work of students.
39. Participate in office duty on a rota basis, responding to new referrals, assessing urgency of requests and with advice and support, if appropriate, implementing actions to meet immediate needs.
40. With appropriate supervision and guidance and following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience undertake Best Interest Assessments as set out in statute, document and evidence assessments as required within statutorily defined time frames, where required identify and nominate a representative for the individual and make recommendations for any proposed authorisation.
41. Following a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience undertake social work duties with regard to the Mental Health Act 1983, including assessment and admissions, where authorised for this duty
42. For transitions team understand how to prepare a young person for adulthood, utilising a creative approach to maximise their independence skills.
43. For transitions team form relationships with young people and their families, to manage change and work alongside other professionals.
44. The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications: Appropriate professional qualification (Registered LD nurse or Social Worker qualification) and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or SW England upon commencement in post and maintain registration. Supported Learning in Practice/Approved Mentor/Practice Assessor Programme are essential on appointment.

Essential requirements

1. Able to effectively manage, prioritise, review and evaluate service and support plan with service users.
2. Able to work effectively as part of a team demonstrating organisational and time management skills prioritising own and team’s work to meet conflicting deadlines.
3. Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately and concisely including preparation, presentation of reports with a range of partners and services users, carers and colleagues.
4. Able to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict, overcome resistance and exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.
5. Able to identify appropriate interventions in order to promote positive change, and problem solve.
6. Able to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach.
7. Able to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary.
8. Able to be flexible, creative and use own initiative while still following policy and procedure.
9. Able to maintain accurate records, assessments and record, evidence and produce reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
10. Able to chair multi-agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity.
11. Able to lead, motivate, develop and support staff to feel engaged in the values, vision and direction of the service, promoting the values of the Council through appropriate behaviour and professionalism.
12. Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff.
13. Able to manage a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters.
14. Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
15. Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, policies and the ability to interpret and apply them consistently.
16. Knowledge of relevant current trends, policies, and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people.
17. Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
18. Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
19. Demonstrate an understanding of importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals.
20. Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
21. Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
22. Good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment.
23. Experience of using and implementing a person-centred approach and working with individuals with a learning disability.
24. Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non-qualified staff.
25. Experience of using reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
26. Minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in a statutory/health setting.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

1. Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
2. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
3. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
4. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety.
5. Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
6. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
7. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
8. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
9. The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements

1. Possession of a full current driving licence.
2. Knowledge of consolidation of learning for specialist practice.
3. Knowledge of the range of services available to users, families and carers.
4. Experience of working with a wide range of user groups.