Job Description

Job title: Senior Social Worker/ AMHP


Salary: PO1 GBP41,511- GBP44,711 plus 20% unsocial hours allowance on all hours, 4 additional increments for AMHP practice, plus car user allowance (pro-rata for half-time).

Hours: 37 and 18.5

Contract: Permanent

Location: EDT Office at Becklin Centre/ WFH


You must be an Approved Mental Health professional to apply for this role.


We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker/ AMHPs to join a stable and supportive out-of-hours team. The Adults Emergency Duty Team provides high standard Social work and AMHP service from 4:30pm until 8am Mondays to Fridays and 24-hour cover over weekends and bank-holidays.


The Social Work roles is integral to the Mental Health Unit in Leeds, we co-located with Health colleagues within an acute inpatient hospital where we meet the statutory obligations of the local authority whilst providing a holistic and person-centred approach to the delivery of care. The roleinvolves responding to Care Management and Safeguarding emergencies and completing Mental Health Act assessments in a variety of settings including the 136 suite for both adults and Children.


The team has support from on-call senior management when required, and clear processes and systems to access appropriate resources to carry out the statutory functions of the council out-of-hours. We also have a very supportive EDT back up group chat for people to bring up any complex issues and you will always get a response from fellow AMHPS.


This is a part time (18.5 hours) and full time (37hours) post. Salary includes GBP40, 221 - GBP43, 421,

plus 20% unsocial enhancement allowance on all hours and 4 increments for AMHP practice

(pro-rata for half-time).





As a Senior Social Worker and AMHP, you thrive in a stable and supportive environment with wide range of experiences in Social Work and AMHP work.



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

As a Senior Social Worker/AMHP, you will bring to the role:


Degree or equivalent in Social Work Registered with Social Work England Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualifications An enthusiasm to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What we offer you

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


a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact: Blessing Chinemelu, Team Manager

blessing.chinemelu@leeds.gov.uk

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children or Adultsbarred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our

recruitment of ex-offenders policy

.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, 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, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the

Skilled Worker visa

route before applying.To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least

GBP38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Purpose:

Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive out-of-hours emergency social work and AMHP service for adults, carers and the community, in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines


The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the City Council Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.


This is an experienced Social Worker role with specific responsibilities for managing situations of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk, and to provide casework advice, support and guidance to other team members


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.

Core Responsibilities:

Undertake assessment of service user and carer needs using a person centred approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures Provide advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings. Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users. Supervise students and offer support to trainees and other team members. On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person centred approach, devise and implement emergency support plans which correspond to the assessed needs of service users, their families and carers in line with procedures. Analyse information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers. Use a Safeguarding framework to log, investigate and manage risks where individuals have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm. Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context. 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. Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users. Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities. Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service. Be responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility. Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required. Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi agency meetings in line with procedures. Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met. Work to and within the prescribed national Professional Capabilities Framework Participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development. Comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures Actively promote and support Leeds City Council and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity Undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate. 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. Provide professional advice and support to colleagues, including newly qualified Social Workers. Supervise, support and provide development for trainee AMHPs. Work in a cross section of social work teams, through secondments etc. to continually develop and consolidate knowledge base and level of skills to meet the ever changing needs of individuals, their families and carers. 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 action plans to implement these to improve service delivery. Make recommendations to the Team Manager and contribute to the development of capacity within the community

JOB OVERVIEW

To be responsible for the urgent, out-of-hours assessment of needs and management of risk regarding adults, carers and community. 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. Contribute to planning and developing of future services and policies and promote innovative ways of developing support to service users. Supervise trainee AMHPs and develop the practice learning setting. Give guidance to trainees, support staff and social work assistants as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Undertake a range of complex Community Care assessments. Investigate complaints of alleged neglect and/or abuse of adults. Undertake safeguarding investigations in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures. Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options. Develop and maintain effective relationships with service users, their families and carers: provide advice and support: promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate. Contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services. 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. Where necessary work in the court arena with appropriate support to obtain and implement court orders 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. Contribute to the development of practice and services through participation in workshops, and consultations. Carry out specific pieces of work on cases that are allocated to workers in other teams. Undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of trainee AMHPs. Cover shifts on a rota basis, responding to new referrals, assessing urgency of requests and support, if appropriate, implementing actions to meet immediate needs. As a qualified and experienced AMHP, undertake assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007) in a variety of settings.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers - Transitions Team

To contribute to the common assessment framework and future needs planning for young people aged 14+

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers Mental Health

Work with people aged 18+ with Mental Health issues Participate in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) rota.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers Adult Emergency Duty Team

Contribute to the provision of an out-of-hours city-wide high quality emergency social work service for all client groups in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices within Adult Social Care and within statutory guidelines. This largely involves lone working. Undertake assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983. Fully participate in the EDT Duty rota. Working within safeguarding procedures, to make enquiries and manage risks where adults have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm. Provide a crisis response to carers who are in need of an urgent provision to alleviate a situation.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Workers Physical Impairment

Manage a specific caseload of disabled adults who have multifaceted and complex needs where specialist knowledge is required e.g. Effect of medical condition, available resources etc Offer advice, information and support to colleagues in dealing with disabled adults who have multifaceted and complex needs.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker Traumatic Brain Injury

Manage a specific caseload of complex brain injury cases and support colleagues who work with people with brain injury.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Social Worker Area Mental Health

To provide a care management and social work service for adults (aged 18+) with mental health and other complex social care needs. To provide advice, consultation, and professional advice to those trained to undertake Adult Safeguarding, Approved Mental Health Professional, Best Interests Assessor and Mental Capacity Act duties and/or assessments. To offer supervision, advice, and guidance to others within the Area Office including OT Social Workers (Care Managers), and unqualified staff in ensuring the delivery of a safe and outcome-oriented service to those with mental and physical health needs. This will include work with individuals with complex and challenging needs who may represent a risk to themselves and/or others.

Specific Responsibilities for Senior Worker Crisis Assessment Service

To carry out Mental Health Act Assessments of people detained on Section 136 and in other settings. To work alongside health colleagues in screening, assessment, and provision of crisis management, for people referred to the service who are in mental health crisis. To develop and maintain expertise in planning the acute care of people with serious mental health problems, including the management of people at significant risk of suicide. To provide a service, which is in line with the team operational policy i.e. client focused, accessible and responsive.

Economic Conditions:

========================





Annual Leave:



26 days per annum increasing to 31 through incremental progression plus 8 statutory holidays pro rata for part time employees. An additional 5 days leave is given after 5 years continuous service.





Hours:



37 hours per week - Normal office hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Thursday and 8.30am - 4:30pm on a Friday. Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits or meetings.


EDT is an out of hours service covering Monday to Thursday 5pm to 8am, Friday 4.30pm to Monday 8am and Bank Holidays from 5pm the day before to 8am the day after the Bank Holiday. A 20% enhancement is paid for unsocial hours, in addition to 4 pay scale increments for practising as an AMHP.


Crisis Assessment Service operates 24 hours per day over 7 days. The hours of work will be on a rota basis to cover this 7-day service. An additional allowance of 15% will be paid due to the hours including evenings and weekends, in addition to 4 pay scale increments for practising as an AMHP.


JCMT The service provided by Joint Care Management Team will operate between the hours of 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 5pm on weekends and bank holidays. The hours of work will be on a rota basis to cover this 7-day service.





Flexible Working:



A range of flexible working options are available subject to approval of a business case





Conditions of Service:



NJC Terms and Conditions apply. Some locally negotiated agreements may also be in place.

Equality & Diversity

: Within the Council this is about making sure that everyone can fully join in the social, cultural, political and economic life of the city. The City Council is committed to its value of Treating People Fairly; this includes our staff and the people of Leeds. We will make sure that we do not discriminate against people because of their age, impairment, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief, social class, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and marital status, responsibility for dependants, trade union activity or for any other unfair reason.

Health & Safety

: The Council believes that ensuring the safety, health and well-being of employees, contractors, service users (including learners) and all others affected by our activities is essential to accomplishing our ambition and values. As a large employer we are committed to being an exemplar for good practice and contributing to the wider health agenda by ensuring that work doesn contribute to poor health, using the workplace to improve health and well-being, and supporting our workforce to be Happy, Healthy and Here. We expect all employees to contribute to their own individual safety and well being and to that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Promotion:

Whilst no guarantee can be given to subsequent promotion, there are currently a number of higher graded posts within the Council which potentially provide the opportunity for career progression within the Council. Any subsequent vacancies will be filled in compliance with agreed Council procedures.

Training:

The Council has a positive commitment to the training and development of employees in all areas of its activities. Similarly employees are also expected to adopt a positive attitude to any training provided and also to their own personal development. A formal pathway of training for Senior Social Workers is in place and continuous professional development pathways are available. Adult Social Care recognises the importance of training for the professional and personal development of staff. There is a clear career development framework for Senior Social Workers, developed in consultation with staff.

Qualifications:

Appropriate professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement of the post and maintain registration. Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment, and to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed time period.


For Adult EDT, an AMHP qualification is required.

Relationships

The post holder will work as part of a team within a health and social care setting, maintaining effective relationships with other colleagues, Elected Members, service users, families, carers and other agencies. Supervision will be provided as a minimum on a monthly basis

Physical Conditions

The post holder will be community based working within a social and /or health care setting but may be required to work in other locations throughout the city to effectively deliver their duties. Leeds City Council has a no smoking policy. However the post holder may be required to visit service users homes where other people may smoke.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This post is subject to an Enhanced Level Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).


In discharging its function under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the Directorate is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and any applicant is obliged to disclose ALL convictions and cautions, no matter how long ago they occurred and regardless of whether the offences were committed as an adult or a juvenile.


Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

:

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role. Candidates will only be short listed for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements. Progression through the grades will be linked to the appraisal process and subject to you performing your key tasks to a satisfactory level, and where appropriate successful completion of examinations.

Method Of Assessment (MOA) A = Application Form T = Test I = Interview C = Certificate

Skills required

MOA

Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise and evaluate work with service users


Ability to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.


A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers and colleagues


Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies


Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.


To innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change


Ability to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans


Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach


Ability to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary


Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative


Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure


Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology


Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.


Ability to chair multi agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity


Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff


Able to lead and motivate staff


For Adult EDT, an ability to work alone without supervision and to make independent decisions.



A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I

Knowledge required

MOA

Appropriate social work professional qualification (BSc, BA, MA, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent)


Approved Mental Health Professional qualification







Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)


To undertake Practice Educator Level 2 on appointment


Recent relevant professional development







Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds


Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.


Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email,


Awareness of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting


Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.


Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.


Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.


A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi agency environment



C


C


C


C


A/I/C


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


I


I


I

Experience required

MOA

Minimum of 2 yearsexperience of working in a statutory setting


Minimum of 1 year practising as an AMHP


Experience of working in a multi agency setting


Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems


Of working within and implementing a person centred approach


Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising qualified and non qualified staff



Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning


Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function


Managing high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure




Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments



A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


A/I


I/T


A/I


A/I


I/T

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

MOA

Committed to continuous improvement.


Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice


To carry out all duties having regard to an employee responsibility under the Council Health & Safety Policies.


Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development


Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.



I


I/T


I


I


C

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role. Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. Progression through the grades will be linked to the appraisal process and subject to you performing your key tasks to a satisfactory level, and where appropriate successful completion of examinations.

Method Of Assessment (MOA) A = Application Form T = Test I = Interview C = Certificate

Skills required

MOA

Possession of a full current driving licence



C

Knowledge required

MOA

Consolidation of learning for specialist practice


Of the range of services available to users, families and carers.



A/I


A/I/T

Experience required

MOA

Of working and reporting within a court environment


Of working with a wide range of user groups



A/I


A/I

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics required

MOA

Job Risk Analysis

Recruiting Employer



Leeds City Council





Department and Section



Adults and Health Mental Health Unit





Post/Job Title



Senior Social Worker Adult EDT





Description of main activities the applicant would be required to undertake



Undertaking urgent out-of-hours assessments and support planning with vulnerable adults, including under the Mental Health Act 1983





Hours/work pattern



Up to 37 Hours, covering an out-of-hours shift rota.

If the work contains any of these elements it is defined as a Part A role:

Work element

YES

NO

Work at heights (e.g. over 2m )



X





Work in excessively noisy environments.



X





Work in unusual environmental conditions, e.g. confined spaces (where the air does not flow free and fresh or where there may be a build up of gases, vapours or fumes or the need for the use of breathing apparatus)



X





Use of tools and equipment associated with hand-arm or whole-body vibration.



X





Driving Leeds City Council Vehicles.



X





Transporting others (i.e. only those driving HGV over 7.5 tonnes, PCV minibuses (e.g. requiring MIDAS qualification/DVLA Gp 2) and anyone transporting, as part of their normal duties, more than 3 persons



X





Contact with hazardous substances identified as requiring regular health surveillance under COSHH n.b. this includes infectious agents eg from bodily fluids, or zoonoses.



X





Prolonged or frequent exposure to machine generated wood dust, or other heavy or excessive concentrations of mineral dust.



X





Work with lead or lead-based products.



X





Work with, or regularly in, environments where there is likely to be, asbestos containing materials.



X





Where the role requires an employee to be immunized.



X





Fieldwork or work in extreme conditions e.g. involving excessive heat, cold, frequently walking long distances over rough terrain in all weather conditions;



X





Any other occupational hazards/comments relevant to this post (state):



X

All other roles are defined as Part B. Please indicate if the work involves any of these elements.

Work element

YES

NO

Face to face contact with the public/service users



X see below





Working in isolation/lone working



X





Work with electrical wiring



X





Work where there may be occupational exposure to bodily fluids (all reasonable control measures will have been identified and implemented). N.B. if the risk assessment identifies that immunization is required, this should be classed as a Part A role.



X See below





Work that may bring the employee into contact with rodents or other animals or livestock N.B. if the risk assessment identifies that immunisation is required, this should be classed as a Part A role.



X





Manual handling/moving and handling (i.e. other than routine office lifting and carrying).



X





Working with vulnerable service users.



X





Work with repetitive movements or forced posture.



X





Work as a regular display screen user.



X





Work involves the preparation or handling of unwrapped foods, to be consumed without further cooking e.g. sandwich preparation.



X





General office-based activities.



X





Driving own vehicle on Council business.



X





Any other occupational hazards/comments relevant to this post (state):


Involvement in assessments of potentially agitated or threatening service users and the potential to encounter verbal and physical abuse from service users, family members and service providers


Encountering clients and assessment environments in various states of hygiene, including risk of encountering blood, faeces, urine, and contaminated equipment.



X


X

N.B. Appropriate control measures for these identified hazards will have been identified and implemented.

This has been classified as a Part B role.