Interviews for this role will be held on 9th March 2021

Job Purpose

The post holder will be in a position to influence and develop social care practice and work alongside operational staff and other stakeholders within integrated mental health services in Essex to deliver on the Trust's delegated statutory responsibilities. This post is seconded under the Section 75 Partnership Agreement with Essex Partnership NHS Foundation University Trust (EPUT).

To lead within the Trust's Social Care Leadership Team on specific service areas relevant to the post, focusing on the Section 75 Partnership delegated statutory responsibilities. The post holder will influence a high standard of Social Work Practice within the community teams through social work practice development, service improvement projects and supervision. The post holder will also take a lead on promoting work with services to tackle barriers preventing people from accessing person centred and personalised health and social care services. The post will operate on an Essex-wide basis, and will work in partnership with diverse external organisations.

Service/Functional Accountabilities

The Social Work Consultant post is structured around the following main functions. Professional/Clinical practice is central to the social work consultant and the supporting functions are essential to the success of the role but will be weighted according to local need and contractual requirements such as the Section 75 Partnership Agreement.

Expert professional/clinical social work, social care and AMHP practice
Practice and service development
Professional leadership, supervision and consultancy
Research audit and evaluation
Education, training and development

Up to 50% of the Social Work Consultant's time will be spent working with service users/patient's, carers, professionals and communities to establish and further promote and develop high quality evidence-based practice.

Practice and Service Development
To contribute to the shared leadership of and input to the strategic and operational objectives of the teams/geographical area as required, actively demonstrating and promoting at all times a thorough and up to date understanding of social care and mental health practice and the legislative, management, policy and regulation frameworks applying to social care and mental health practice
Working with the Associate Director Social Care to interpret and implement national policy in the delivery of services via effective change management and practice development.
Create and sustain effective collaborative working practices and relationships with other services/agencies at a strategic and operational level.

Professional/Clinical Leadership and Consultancy
Provide visionary leadership in the teams/geographical area, motivating and inspiring others to deliver best practice at a local, regional and national level.
Provide professional/clinical leadership and influence for strategic planning and service delivery across professional and organisational boundaries.
Demonstrate creative and collaborative thinking to influence service change and development.
Provide professional social work leadership within the designated Clinical Pathway and through them ensure that all staff provide services in accordance with their professional Codes of Conduct and deliver high quality safe patient centred care
Represent social work, as required, within EPUT and the Essex wide health and social care system.

Research Audit and Evaluation
Initiate and develop research and development programmes in collaboration with relevant research communities.
Develop and facilitate research culture and opportunities for clinicians to engage in research and evaluation activities.
Demonstrate evidence of an understanding and application of research to practice.
Disseminate knowledge through writing for publication, and speaking at local, national and international conferences.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

In conjunction and liaison with the Associate Director for Social Care to promote and develop the learning environment and facilitate individuals within the teams/geographical area using a collaborative approach and providing equitable opportunities.
To develop and lead staff development workshops for social care and other disciplines, using leading edge evidence-based practice material. This may include teaching for events provided by partners including third sector partners and universities.
Facilitate individuals, teams and organisations to identify and achieve their own learning needs which meet the needs of service users.
Work in partnership with higher education institutes to develop, deliver and evaluate local, regional and national education opportunities in area of practice. Demonstrating experience of teaching and developing professional staff and/or students in academic and clinical settings.
Provide education, support and supervision to others for their professional development at a local, national and international level.
Provide education in specialist area of practice in a variety of styles and methods to meet the needs of the organisation and profession.

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. For more information please use the following link: https://www.workingforessex.com/benefits/

Essex County Council 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 email or call us on 0333 013 5888. Lines are open Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16.30.