Level 1 Social Worker

Job summary

We are looking to recruit a Level 1 Band 5 Social worker who has a passion and enthusiasm for working in mental health services. We would welcome applications from experienced social workers or from those newly qualified and with a commitment to undertake the ASYE programme. We are looking for someone with the drive and motivation to develop themselves personally and professionally to join our Adults' Social Care Pathway. Ideally you will have some experience of working in mental health services but this is not essential as long as you are motivated to develop your skills and knowledge. Applicants must be a registered as a social worker with Social Work England.

Main duties of the job

The Social Care Pathway (West) has office-bases in Stafford, Cannock and Codsall and, while this post is primarily based in Stafford, the successful applicant will also be expected to work in other areas of South Staffordshire as demand requires. The role will involve working closely with people with potential care and support needs, carrying out assessments of need to explore how best to ensure these are met which may include applying for costed care. You will work alongside carers, other agencies, families, the local community and our own multi-disciplinary community and inpatient services to ensure continuity and a high quality service. The Social Care Pathway supports professional and personal development through supervision and appraisal as well as support from the Social Work Learning Academy to plan and guide your professional development. You will be expected to work flexibly in response to operational demand and service user needs.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities. We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems. We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow. We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

If you are in your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, you will be supported by the Trust to develop skills, knowledge and professional confidence in line with the national ASYE requirements and reflecting the PCF standards (Professional Capabilities Framework). This includes having a protected workload spanning community and Hospital/inpatient working during the first year of employment; having a personal development plan; and having dedicated allocated time for personal development and regular formal supervision by a Practice Assessor supplied by the Trust. You will enhance and develop their practice to become an autonomous practitioner with graded exposed to work of a more complex nature. You will be provided with the support of a Practice Assessor and will receive enhanced supervisory support from other senior colleagues including an identified experienced Social Worker, the Advanced Social Work Practitioner or Team lead. On appointment, you will be auto-enrolled in the SWLA and aligned to the appropriate British Association of Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework. The relevant SWLA stage (i.e. stage 1 (ASYE), 2 (Social Worker) or 3 (Advanced Social Worker) will also be agreed taking all prior Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and relevant experience into consideration. You will be required to take responsibility for their own Continuous Professional Development.

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• Professional Social Work qualification, DipSW, CQSW, CSS, BA, MA or Foreign qualification where certified by the Professional Social Work regulatory body


• Ensuring current registration with the Professional Social Work regulatory body at all times


• A commitment to on-going personal and professional development


• To undergo appropriate training to achieve Assessed Year in Practice (ASYE)


• Good keyboard / IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, email and PowerPoint


• A clear understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with Adults and older Adults with mental health needs and their carers

Desirable

• Experience of social work in other user groups/settings i.e. Children and Families, Learning Disability, Mental Health.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).