3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary mental health team alongside colleagues employed by the NHS and partner agencies, delivering high-quality, strength-based social work interventions to adults with mental health disorders and/or dementia. The role involves safeguarding, assessment, care planning, legal responsibilities, and promoting independence and wellbeing in line with statutory duties and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of service users diagnosed with mental disorders and/or dementia.
  

• Undertake carers’ and service users’ assessments, reviews, and support plans (combined or separate) in accordance with the Care Act.
  

• Conduct mental health and dementia needs assessments within a multi-disciplinary framework.
  

• Identify and assess mental capacity, undertake MCA and Best Interest reports, and ensure legal processes are followed in respect of Court of Protection applications.
  

• Support service users and carers in completing self-assessments and accessing direct payments.
  

• Participate in duty rotas, screen referrals, and undertake urgent/emergency assessments and visits as required.
  

• Contribute to Dialog+ care planning within the NHS framework.
  

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.
  

• Work within a “Think Family” approach, supporting families as a network.
  

• Make referrals to Children’s Social Care where children in need or child protection concerns are identified.
  

• Prepare written and verbal reports for case conferences, reviews, and safeguarding meetings.
  

• Provide evidence at Mental Health Tribunals and Managers’ Hearings as required.
  

• Deliver direct social care interventions to meet mental health and dementia needs.
  

• Apply a strength-based approach in all assessments and interventions.
  

• Support access to services from statutory, voluntary, and informal networks.
  

• Ensure commissioned care packages are value for money, high quality, and regularly reviewed.
  

• Liaise closely with legal and housing services to support complex and vulnerable service users.
  

• Advise on welfare rights and refer to the Maximising Income Team where appropriate.
  

• Work collaboratively with NHS professionals and other agencies.
  

• Maintain coordination links with neighbourhoods, local communities, and non-statutory organisations.
  

• Attend meetings, case reviews, conferences, training sessions, and working groups.
  

• Assist in the development and facilitation of projects and group work initiatives.
  

• Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality electronic case records.
  

• Ensure compliance with Care Act recording standards and Council policies.
  

• Use IT systems effectively to support efficient service delivery.
  

• Provide reports and documentation as required.
  

• Achieve agreed service outcomes and personal development objectives.
  

• Engage constructively in supervision, training, seminars, and professional development activities.
  

• Work in accordance with legal frameworks, national guidance, and Council policies.
  

• Uphold Council CARE values and Adult Social Care principles.
  

• Comply with Data Protection legislation (including GDPR).
  

• Adhere to Health and Safety policies and the Council’s Dignity for All (Equal Opportunities) Policy.
  

• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the post as directed by management.
  

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work across the borough as part of a “One Service” approach.
  

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work (BA / MA Social Work).
  

• Registered with Social Work England.
  

• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification (or willingness to train, if applicable).
  

• Evidence of continued professional development.
  

• Sound knowledge of:
  

  • Care Act 2014
    

  • Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)
    

  • Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Best Interest processes
    

  • Court of Protection procedures
    

  • Safeguarding Adults and Children legislation
    

  • Data Protection Act and GDPR
    

• Understanding of strength-based and recovery-focused practice.
  

• Knowledge of welfare benefits and community resources.
  

• Awareness of NHS structures and multi-disciplinary working within mental health services.
  

• Experience of managing a complex caseload in adult social care or mental health.
  

• Experience undertaking Care Act assessments, reviews, and support planning.
  

• Experience working with adults with mental health disorders and/or dementia.
  

• Experience of safeguarding investigations and risk assessments.
  

• Experience preparing professional reports for panels, tribunals, or court proceedings.
  

• Experience of multi-agency and partnership working.