We envisage that this role would suit an experienced Social Worker looking to move away from a traditional social care role into a bespoke position where you will be able to use the skills and knowledge you have gained within a deputyship focused role.

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options.

The Service

We are a dynamic and varied service which knows that the key to enabling people to have greater independence and control over their lives is by working in collaboration with others and applying the principles of prevention, sustainability and best value.

Job Purpose

Essex County Council (ECC) has a vision to make our county a place which provides the best possible quality of life for all who live and work here. One of the key priorities is the protection of vulnerable adults. The deputyship team performs an innovative, exceptional, positive role in achieving this priority.

The Deputyship Team is appointed by The Court of Protection to protect and support the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in the County. Managing all aspects of the property and financial affairs of un-befriended people, who do not have the mental capacity to manage and safeguard their own financial affairs. Committed to helping adults achieve and maintain independence, this role, acting in the role of Court Appointed Deputy, manages all aspects of the property and financial affairs of a caseload of clients including undertaking client visits.

As a Social Worker, the role will be expected to manage a caseload, including assessment of risk, review, quality assuring interventions and balancing need with finance. Conducting visits and undertaking assessments under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Educated to degree level with current HCPC registration and the ability to demonstrate practice in accordance with professional standards. Experience of developing strong working relationships with partners, other agencies and the voluntary sector to deliver improved outcomes is essential.

Service/Functional Accountabilities

* Responsible for managing all aspects of a caseload of vulnerable service users residing in residential care and the community, identified as not having the mental capacity to manage their own property and financial affairs
* Perform deputy visits to clients to ensure the deputy is acting in the client's best interests and maximising their quality of life from their assets.
* Prepare and complete reports on individual clients to submit to the Court of Protection.
* Claim, collect and administer all benefits and other income, ensuring completion of the individual's tax affairs.
* Responsible for maintaining and protecting the client's home or dealing with their tenancy arrangements.
* Responsible for preparing and completing annual accounts and reports on individual clients to submit to the Office of the Public Guardian.
* Work collaboratively with the Council's practitioners to ensure the Deputy is meeting the needs of the service user, who is achieving the best quality of life from their available assets.
* Pro-actively influences in a range of planning, decision making and inter-agency case discussions.
* Conduct assessments under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as required by the Court of Protection, advise on the needs of the adult and/or safeguarding issues to ensure the Team's prompt response.
* Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

* Educated to degree level i.e. Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent. Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a registered social worker
* Evidence of continuing professional development and demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. professional capability framework, knowledge and skills statement.
* Experience within a social care setting with evidence of challenging social and family situations.
* Strong communication skills and an ability to develop a rapport and engage with diverse groups of individuals. Experience of writing clear and accurate procedures, guidance, reports, decisions and objective notes.
* Good level of knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Welfare Benefits with an understanding of the financial implications of care packages commissioned by the Council.
* Experience of lone working and visiting officer.
* Previous experience of managing a caseload and long-term task list, with a practical understanding of physical, emotional and attitudinal barriers facing disabled people.
* Experience in collating, analysing and interpreting data and using data management systems.