Job Description

We are excited to announce the recruitment of two full-time Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Senior Social Workers to join our Adult Social Care team. These roles will be based within Specialist Services, focusing on supporting adults of all ages.
You will engage with individuals, their families, support networks, and partner agencies to provide holistic care. Conducting assessments using a preventative, strengths-based methodology to develop co-produced, tailored support plans is essential. Additionally, you will apply a least restrictive approach to support individuals in making informed decisions and promote positive risk-taking.
In this role, you will swiftly and effectively respond to crisis situations, working with partners to provide immediate support. Managing a diverse caseload autonomously, ensuring timely and effective interventions, will be a key part of your responsibilities.
A comprehensive understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and experience in conducting complex mental capacity assessments and CoP DoLS applications and renewals are crucial.
You should also have a thorough knowledge of the Care Act, including safeguarding duties inclusive of S.42 Enquiries.
Experience managing cases involving adults with learning disabilities and/or Autism detained under S.3 of the Mental Health Act is required. This includes preparing reports for mental health tribunals and understanding S.117 aftercare funding applications. Familiarity with the application process for joint funding, including Continuing Health Care and the Dynamic Support Service, is also necessary.
We are looking for autonomous people who can demonstrate expert and effective practice in complex situations, managing high levels of risk independently. Flexibility and responsiveness are key, as you will need to adapt to meet the needs of residents, with a requirement of regular face-to-face visits.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and Autism, and possess the necessary skills and experience, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruiting managers on laura.acheson@medway.gov.uk or kim.nicholas@medway.gov.uk
In return we will offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels: Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
You can demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills to allow you to perform within this role. You will identify, through application, how you meet the elements detailed within the person specification, at either Level A, B or C. You will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Our organisation:
Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.
Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.
We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.
Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.
Important Information-
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile
Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement
Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age
For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.
All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation/correspondence in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Resourcing Team on 01634 332878.