JOB PURPOSE

To have responsibility for a caseload, including cases which can be of a complex and challenging nature. To assist in the supervision and/or support of staff, including conducting formal supervision sessions and giving technical advice and guidance to staff. To continue to develop professionally, and be accountable for the delivery of, and promote, social work good practice.

KEY TASKS - Service Delivery & Operational Tasks

1.

To screen referrals and undertake the assessment of support needs for Service Users, Carers and Families. To develop/ assist to develop Care & Support Plans for Service Users, including Self Directed Care through Individual Budgets, in order to resolve practical and emotional social care, health and well-being difficulties.

2.

To maintain records in necessary formats and ensure content by self and team is accurate and personal information is kept confidential.

3.

To prepare, attend and participate in meetings and decision-making forums, for example, Court appearances, Reviews, Panels, Case Conferences or team meetings. To chair meetings as appropriate.

4.

To provide information, data and statistics as required.

5.

To inform managers of service deficiencies or issues interfering with delivering an efficient service, assist to identify and make suggestions for opportunities for improvement.

6.

To act for and advocate on behalf of Service Users, Carers and Families, within the boundaries of corporate and directorate policies.

7.

To develop and maintain appropriate working relationships with partnership agencies, including health and voluntary sector agencies.

KEY TASKS - Supervision

8.

To undertake first line supervision and/or support of staff including checking the quality of work and assisting the Team Manager to allocate work and case loads.

9.

To support staff in learning, training and development activities, particularly those studying for qualifications.

10.

To give advice and guidance to staff on casework both for service delivery and development of their own knowledge.

KEY TASKS - Service Improvement & Strategic Improvements

11.

To achieve the objectives of the Council and to contribute to the development and implementation of the Annual Team Plan and assist to achieve the objectives of the team, reviewing the progress of the team against targets and contribute to guidance, policies and practice notes.

12.

To assist to develop, implement and monitor quality assurance standards.

13.

To adopt and embrace required changes and advances in working practices, particularly those which incorporate the use of ICT.

14.

To deputise for the Team Manager as required.