ECC is transforming to be far more proactive and our new model centres on a transformational shift from focussing on long term care and support to early intervention, recovery and enabling people to live independently for as long as possible.

Our mission is to make the best and most sustainable use of all resources available to the adult, their families and carers; to ensure they have access to information and tools to enable them to live healthily and independently for as long as possible; and, to exercise choice and control over their lives, while ensuring safety, dignity and quality of life for all the adults we work with, including those in need of long term care.

The adult social care function delivers direct provision of services relating to vulnerable adults and their families.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Social Worker within the Older Adults Mental Health
Team in North Essex, based in Colchester. The team works in partnership with adults and informal carers to support with their mental health and well-being, providing support and guidance in line with the Care Act principles. This will be delivered in partnership with local voluntary and statutory services.

The role will involve working with adults and families both in the community and developing discharge pathways for adults in accordance with the Mental Health Act 1983.

The role of the senior social worker is to ensure that professional standards are met, and skilled intervention is delivered to maximise vulnerable people's potential, helping people to help themselves within agreed resources. The role is underpinned through the 6 key safeguarding principles empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership and accountability defined by the Care Act 2014.

The post holder is responsible for working with vulnerable individuals who have complex social needs as a result of disability, exclusion, or may lack capacity. They will be required to support the operational team manager by modelling good practice, and setting expectations for others. This person will take responsibility and accountability for the practice of others and mentoring newly qualified social workers.

The role also requires the post holder to build on existing relationships with strategic partners, particularly where there is a joint agency team.

Experienced Social Workers and Occupational Therapists practice with a level of autonomy, demonstrating expert and effective practice in complex situations, assessing and managing higher levels of risk, striking a balance between support and control, liaising with a wide range of professionals, including senior levels.

The role will provide a social care service to adults who are vulnerable due to their mental health difficulties working across internal and external partners and will have responsibility for the practice development of others within the team.

If you require further information about the role then please contact Christina Collins on 07809 314750.

Key accountabilities:

- Manage demand through the effective use of the Good Lives models and wider community assets
- Provide targeted information, advice and guidance
- Ensure people vulnerable because of their mental health condition are able to regain their life skills and independence
- Deliver employment opportunities for people of working age
- Reduce the use of secondary mental health care and hospital admissions
- Stabilising chaotic lives, preventing needs from escalating
- Establish strong and dynamic links with our community partners

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

- Diploma / Degree in Social Work/Occupational Therapy

- HCPC registered

- Case load management in line with the Care Act

- Assessment and Safeguarding reviews whilst promoting re-ablement and telecare service

- Experience of working within mental health services is desirable.

- Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage your own time

- Ability to engage and influence with multiple agencies

- Evidence of continuing professional development e.g. MCA BIA AMHP

- At least 2 years experience working as a social worker.

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

As part of employment with ECC should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please visit: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

ECC is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/benefits.

ECC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success. If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Essex Recruitment Team on 03330 0135888*

*Calls to this number are charged in the same way as calls to numbers starting 01 or 02, please check with your service provider.