Job title: Senior Social Worker

Salary: PO3 £44,253 - £47,665

Hours: 37 / 37 pro rota

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds

As a Senior Social Worker (LD Care Management), you’ll thrive on enabling adults with learning disabilities to realise their potential and have a voice in decisions about their care and support.

It’s not only about managing a complex caseload; our Senior Social Workers change lives using a person-centred approach that values the uniqueness and strengths of individuals and involves their carers, family and wider community.

It’s an exciting time to join our adult social care team in Leeds. As key partners with the National Development Team for Inclusion we’ve led on developing the strengths-based approach to social care delivery. We want everyone we work with to feel listened to, empowered, and to receive support that reflects their hopes and what really matters to them.

Our Better Lives Strategy sets out our ambition for improving lives in Leeds. We want people with care and support needs to be able to do the things that matter to them and live in a good home within a caring community. It’s about more than social care, it’s a council-wide initiative so that services will work together to make a real difference to individuals and their communities.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

You will be qualified as:

A Senior Social Worker registered with SW England.
An Approved Mentor/Practice Assessor
Practice Educator Level 2 or equivalent, or undertake this on appointment (funded by us)

You will bring to the role:

Significant post qualifying experience
knowledge and understanding of current learning disability practice and the role of a multi-disciplinary team, including statutory and voluntary agencies
skills in effective assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of work in supporting people with learning disabilities
ability to build good working relationships with professional colleagues and partners, chair meetings and represent the council in a multi-agency environment and engage positively with individuals, families and carers
experience of using a person-centred approach, creativity in problem solving and reflective practice techniques
ability to lead, motivate, mentor and supervise staff, with a commitment to continuing professional development of self and others

About the role

As a Senior Social Worker, you will be central to a network of partners working across health and social care in Leeds who are committed to increasing integration for better services supporting people with learning disabilities.

You will manage a complex and diverse caseload to safeguard the welfare of individuals, families and carers. You will assess needs and manage risk, devise and implement support plans, commission services and evaluate outcomes, working with colleagues and partners to provide direct support to individuals and their carers.

You won’t be doing this alone, you will be supported and guided by team managers, and in your turn play a key role in mentoring and advising other team members. We strive to achieve the right balance between support and challenge in all roles, to promote staff wellbeing as well as a clear career development pathway.

We value connection and professional relationships so we continually learn from each other and from the people and families we are working alongside. These strong support networks and learning opportunities enable our colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for the adults they work with.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact:

Holly Smith - holly.smith@leeds.gov.uk Tel: 0113 3784668

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

As a Senior Social Worker within the Learning Disability Team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, strengths-based social work services to adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers. Working within statutory frameworks, organisational policies and professional standards, you will undertake complex assessments, manage risk, promote wellbeing and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes, maximise independence and exercise choice and control in their lives.

Alongside managing a complex caseload, you will provide professional leadership, guidance and support to colleagues, helping to promote reflective practice, continuous learning and high standards of social work across the team. You will contribute to the development of best practice, support service improvement and act as a source of expertise in relation to learning disability practice, safeguarding, mental capacity and statutory responsibilities.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and local communities, you will ensure that support is person-centred, outcome-focused and informed by relevant legislation, research and best practice. At all times, you will carry out your responsibilities in accordance with Leeds City Council's values, policies and procedures, and the professional standards set by Social Work England.

Responsibilities

The duties outlined below are not exhaustive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the service, provided they remain consistent with the grade and purpose of the post.

Manage a complex and varied caseload of adults with learning disabilities, undertaking assessments, reviews, care and support planning, safeguarding enquiries and risk management in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and procedures.
Lead on complex casework involving significant risk, competing views, safeguarding concerns, mental capacity issues and legal interventions, exercising a high level of professional judgement and autonomy.
Undertake Care Act assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments, Best Interests Assessments and associated decision-making, ensuring compliance with statutory duties and professional standards.
Develop, implement and review person-centred care and support plans that promote independence, wellbeing, choice, positive risk-taking and the achievement of agreed outcomes.
Lead and coordinate safeguarding enquiries and investigations, working collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies to assess, manage and reduce risk.
Chair complex multi-agency meetings, safeguarding meetings, Best Interests meetings and other professional forums, facilitating effective decision-making and coordinated planning.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and professionals across health, social care, housing, education, advocacy, legal services and voluntary sector organisations to deliver integrated support.
Analyse complex information, evaluate evidence from multiple sources and make defensible decisions that are informed by legislation, policy, research and best practice.
Provide advice and support to individuals, families and carers, promoting rights, advocacy, self-determination and informed decision-making.
Commission, monitor and review services and support arrangements, ensuring they deliver positive outcomes, represent value for money and meet assessed needs.
Prepare and present high-quality assessments, reports, support plans, safeguarding documentation and court reports, providing evidence in legal proceedings where required.
Maintain accurate, timely and professional records in accordance with legislative, organisational and professional requirements.
Participate in duty arrangements, screening referrals, responding to urgent situations and implementing appropriate interventions to safeguard individuals and manage risk.
Provide professional advice, guidance and consultation to Social Workers, Newly Qualified Social Workers, apprentices, students and unqualified staff, promoting high standards of practice.
Support and develop colleagues through supervision, mentoring, coaching, reflective practice and the sharing of professional expertise.
Undertake the role of Practice Educator and contribute to the development of high-quality practice learning opportunities for students, trainees and apprentices.
Support colleagues involved in complex legal processes, including Court of Protection work, safeguarding proceedings and other statutory interventions.
Promote and model strengths-based, person-centred, anti-discriminatory and inclusive practice in all areas of work.
Contribute to service improvement, quality assurance, workforce development and practice development activities, supporting the delivery of high-quality Adult Social Care services.
Undertake specific projects, audits, and service development initiatives on behalf of the service
Maintain and develop professional knowledge, making effective use of supervision, continuous professional development and reflective practice to enhance personal and team performance.
Work in accordance with all relevant legislation, professional standards, policies, procedures and the Social Work England Professional Standards.

Qualifications

A recognised Social Work qualification (BA, BSc, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
Registration with Social Work England upon appointment and a commitment to maintaining professional registration throughout employment
Practice Educator Level 1 award and Practice Educator Level 2 award, or a commitment to achieve PE 2 within an agreed timescale following appointment

Essential Requirements

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Ability to lead on complex case management, undertaking and coordinating assessments, interventions and reviews for adults with learning disabilities who have multiple and complex needs.
Ability to plan, prioritise, manage and evaluate work effectively, balancing a complex caseload alongside wider team responsibilities and competing demands.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to share information clearly, accurately and sensitively with individuals, families, carers, colleagues, partner agencies and senior professionals.
Ability to build and maintain effective multi-agency relationships, providing professional challenge where necessary to promote positive outcomes and safeguard individuals.
Ability to provide professional advice, guidance and support to colleagues, including less experienced social workers, students and social care staff.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgement and make defensible decisions in complex and high-risk situations.
Advanced assessment and analytical skills, including the ability to complete and coordinate complex person-centred assessments and formulate appropriate interventions.
Ability to develop, implement and review robust care and support plans that promote independence, wellbeing and positive risk-taking.
Ability to assess, manage and mitigate risks effectively, including risks relating to safeguarding, self-neglect, exploitation, abuse and service breakdown.
Ability to apply and interpret relevant legislation, policy and guidance, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Health Act and safeguarding procedures.
Ability to lead safeguarding enquiries and investigations, including coordinating multi-agency responses and making appropriate recommendations to reduce risk.
Ability to prepare clear, analytical and evidence-based reports, assessments and court-related documentation where required.
Ability to maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with legislative, organisational and professional standards.
Ability to use information technology effectively to record, analyse and communicate information.
Ability to chair and facilitate complex meetings, including safeguarding meetings, best interests meetings, professional meetings and multi-agency discussions.
Ability to use supervision effectively whilst also supporting reflective practice, learning and professional development within the team.
Ability to contribute to service development, quality assurance, practice improvement and the promotion of good social work practice across the service.
A recognised Social Work qualification (BA, BSc, MA, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
Registration with Social Work England.
Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Significant post-qualification experience within Adult Social Care, including experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
In-depth knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Health Act, Human Rights Act and other relevant legislation, guidance and policy affecting adults with care and support needs.
Advanced knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, procedures and best practice, including experience of leading safeguarding enquiries and managing complex risk.
Thorough understanding of social work theories, strengths-based practice, person-centred approaches and evidence-based interventions relevant to adults with learning disabilities.
Knowledge of current social care policy, professional standards, regulatory frameworks and contemporary developments within Adult Social Care.
Understanding of the specific needs, challenges and inequalities experienced by adults with learning disabilities, autism and associated health conditions.
Knowledge of assessment, care planning, commissioning processes and the effective use of community and statutory resources to promote independence and wellbeing.
Understanding of complex decision-making within the Mental Capacity Act framework, including capacity assessments, Best Interests decision-making and Court of Protection processes.
Knowledge of risk assessment, risk management and positive risk-taking approaches within complex practice.
Understanding of the roles, responsibilities and legal duties of statutory, voluntary, health and community organisations and the importance of effective multi-agency working.
Knowledge of supervision, mentoring and workforce development principles, including supporting newly qualified and less experienced practitioners.
Sound understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and their application within adult social care.
Knowledge of confidentiality, information governance, data protection legislation and professional boundaries.
Strong report-writing, analytical and presentation skills, including the preparation of complex assessments, safeguarding reports and court documentation.
Competence in the use of IT systems, including electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification or willingness to undertake training where required.
Practice Educator Level 2 qualification or a commitment to achieve the qualification within an agreed timescale.
Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and commitment to maintaining advanced social work knowledge and skills.
Significant post-qualification experience within a statutory Adult Social Care setting, including substantial experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
Experience of managing complex and high-risk cases involving safeguarding, mental capacity, best interests decision-making, risk management and multi-agency interventions.
Extensive experience of undertaking person-centred, strengths-based assessments and applying professional judgement to develop creative solutions that promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
Experience of leading complex assessments, care planning and review processes, ensuring interventions are legally compliant, outcome-focused and proportionate to need.
Experience of conducting Mental Capacity Assessments, Best Interests decision-making and applying relevant legal and policy frameworks within practice.
Experience of leading and coordinating safeguarding enquiries and investigations, including working effectively with partner agencies to manage and reduce risk.
Experience of gathering, analysing and evaluating complex information from multiple sources to inform assessments, recommendations and decision-making.
Experience of using professional curiosity, critical analysis and reflective practice to support sound decision-making and improve outcomes for individuals.
Experience of promoting advocacy, self-determination and meaningful involvement of individuals, families and carers in decisions affecting their lives.
Experience of working collaboratively and effectively with health colleagues, providers, housing services, community organisations and other statutory partners.
Experience of managing a complex and varied caseload whilst balancing competing priorities and meeting statutory timescales.
Experience of producing high-quality assessments, reports, support plans, safeguarding documentation and court-related reports where required.
Experience of chairing and facilitating complex meetings, including safeguarding meetings, Best Interests meetings, multidisciplinary meetings and professional discussions.
Experience of supervising, mentoring, supporting and developing qualified and unqualified staff, students and newly qualified social workers.
Experience of providing professional guidance, consultation and practice leadership to colleagues across a range of complex practice areas.
Experience of supporting workforce development through coaching, mentoring, practice education or the delivery of training and reflective learning opportunities.
Experience of contributing to service development, quality assurance activity and the implementation of practice improvements within Adult Social Care services.

Essential behavioural and other characteristics

Demonstrate Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct in all aspects of your work.
Be committed to continuous improvement and contributing to the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving communities, and a resilient and sustainable city.
Understand and work in accordance with Leeds City Council's policies, procedures and professional standards.
Take personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
Engage positively in appraisal, training and development activities to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills.
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, treating people with dignity, respect and fairness at all times.
Work in an anti-discriminatory manner and actively challenge discrimination, racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation and all forms of abuse, reporting concerns through the appropriate channels.
Be flexible and adaptable in responding to changing service needs and priorities, undertaking duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
Take responsibility for your own professional development and continuously seek opportunities to improve practice.
Work within the Council's flexibility protocol and support collaborative ways of working across services.

Desirable requirements

Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Possession of a full current driving licence