Job Description

We're looking for a Senior Practitioner, Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge in Adult Social Care? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

The team...

Our Achieving Change Together (ACT) Team supports adults with complex and long-term needs through in-depth reviews, exploring creative approaches which promote people's wellbeing and control. We harness community assets, assistive technology and enablement to ensure that people are supported in the least restrictive way possible. We are a friendly and supportive team made up of Social Workers, Assessing Officers, Enablement Officers, Senior Practitioner and Team Manager who work closely with other Adult Social Care teams and external partners.



We use a conversational approach, focusing on an individual's strengths and the community around them, supporting Gateshead residents to live thriving lives. Teams across the service provide assessment, intervention, and support in relation to an individual's social care needs with a focus on promoting wellbeing and independence, helping individuals take greater control over their lives by championing an early engagement model. Working in this way promotes the individual's access to other agencies and provides them with the tools to be both physically and mentally healthy, reducing their need for long-term provisions and re-enable them where possible.

About the role....

As a Senior Practitioner, you will work under the guidance of the Team Manager to ensure a consistent and effective service that delivers positive outcomes for individuals, families, and caregivers. You will have an excellent understanding of the Care Act 2014 and associated legislation as well an understanding of the diverse needs of adults and the challenges they may face in achieving their outcomes and aspirations. This will enable you to play a pivotal role in supporting oversight of the team as they work with adults with complex and long-term needs.



You will take an active role to support the Team Manager in ensuring high quality practice, performance, recording, supervision, and appraisal across the team. You will play a key role in supporting the development of a small team of staff in our ACT Plus function, undertaking strengths-based assessments and reviews across the service and ensuring the flow of work in this fast-paced team.



It is essential you have excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of people and professionals as you will be required to work closely with key partner agencies as well as colleagues across Council services. You will also be able to complete mental capacity assessments and risk assessments.



You must hold a relevant Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England along with experience of supervising or mentoring colleagues. You will have a willingness to undertake relevant training and a commitment to continuous professional development.



People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative. Please click on the following link to see what life as an adult care social worker is like:

www.gateshead.gov.uk/ASCsocialworkers

Please see the Job profile for further details on the role.

A bit about Gateshead Council...

Adult Social Care is on the frontline of tackling the inequalities in poverty and health that our community face. Our Thrive Agenda aims to effectively address these issues and enable the members of our community to live thriving lives.



Working in Adult Social Care is not an easy job, however; there aren't many that are more fulfilling when you can see the impact that you are having on the lives of the members of our community who are in need of support.



We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a high-quality service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

What's in it for you?

You will be appointed to Grade K SCP 34 - 37 43,693 up to 46,731 You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme. You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better We'll give you access to a Co Wheels vehicle for work use, saving your petrol costs and wear to your vehicle. You'll get a generous annual leave package starting at 26 days annual leave (+ 2 extra statutory days) for new employees, rising to 30 days (+ 2 extra statutory days) after 5 years continuous local government service. You will have the chance to purchase up to 10 additional holiday days per year (through salary sacrifice). We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various offers and discounts on shopping and household spend, including O2, Virgin Media and Dell Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme offering various discounts Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take up to 3 flexi days per 4-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service. We offer hybrid working, allowing colleagues to work remotely where appropriate if they wish to do so. A robust Workforce Development offer with loads of opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.

Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say:


"Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" -

David.

"I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." -

Angela

It's time to apply!

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please read the full job profile to ensure that you meet the essential criteria for the post, as only applicants that meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile will be shortlisted.



If successful, you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.



For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Robert Watson, Team Manager: robertwatson@gateshead.gov.uk

JOB PROFILE