Assistant Social Worker - Aylesbury

Oxford Health NHS Trust

The closing date is 10 April 2025

Job summary

Do you want to take a first step into the world of social working?

The Buckinghamshire Social Work team are looking a Social Work Assistant.

You will carry out a range of social care tasks including assessment of need, review of existing packages of care for service users and carers under the Care Act.This is a new role within this structure and it will bring you opportunities to extend and develop your skills and knowledge.

You will have excellent opportunities for career progression into Buckinghamshire Council's Apprenticeship programme to become a qualified Social Worker. Training and development opportunities are available from both Oxford Health and Buckinghamshire Council which provide a wide range of options for learning and development.

The post-holder will be required to visit people in their own homes and in placements across the north of Buckinghamshire and input directly in the Council's electronic information system, LAS. There is an expectation for the post-holder to train to carry out the Appropriate Adult function under the Police & Criminal Evidence Act and act in this capacity on a rota basis.

Main duties of the job

Undertake Care Act assessments for older adults and their carers who are ordinarily resident in Buckinghamshire and appear to be in need of care and support.
Using a strengths-based approach you will help older adults and their families make best use of community resources to support them to live as independently as possible.
Arrange for commissioned services to be put in place where necessary, in line with eligibility and Council policy.
Review existing packages of care in line with the Care Act and s117 MHA.
Develop a good understanding of the Council's charging and top-up and choice policies and give information and advice to older adults and their families when assessing and arranging care and support.
Work jointly with Social Worker and health colleagues to deliver a supportive and empowering service to older adults and their families.

Applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.

About us

Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.

As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive:"Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team".

Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent".

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
Excellent opportunities for career progression
Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
Competitive pension scheme
Lease car scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Mental Health First Aiders
Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)
Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

Date posted

27 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year Per Annum | Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

267-BM7090046

Job locations

Whiteleaf Centre

Bierton Road

Aylesbury

HP20 1EG

Job description

Job responsibilities

We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application. The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Demonstrate an understanding of assessment and support planning.
Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults.
A knowledge of services available to support vulnerable adults

Desirable

A working knowledge of local authority electronic recording systems
A working knowledge of local authority finance and/or commissioning processes

Skills

Essential

Ability to communicate with vulnerable adults and carers who are experiencing mental health distress
Be able to work alone and use initiative within boundaries set by the Team Manager/Advanced Practitioner.
Be able to work effectively within a complex professional environment.
Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable

To possess a Health and Social Care qualification/Certificate
Educated to A Level standard or equivalent

Experience

Essential

Extensive experience of working with vulnerable adults and adults with complex needs
Experience of working with a variety of Microsoft Office systems.
Experience of working with professionals within social care including social workers, nurses and occupational therapists.

Desirable

Experience of working in a community mental health setting
Experience of using the LAS electronic information system

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Demonstrate an understanding of assessment and support planning.
Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults.
A knowledge of services available to support vulnerable adults

Desirable

A working knowledge of local authority electronic recording systems
A working knowledge of local authority finance and/or commissioning processes

Skills

Essential

Ability to communicate with vulnerable adults and carers who are experiencing mental health distress
Be able to work alone and use initiative within boundaries set by the Team Manager/Advanced Practitioner.
Be able to work effectively within a complex professional environment.
Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable

To possess a Health and Social Care qualification/Certificate
Educated to A Level standard or equivalent

Experience

Essential

Extensive experience of working with vulnerable adults and adults with complex needs
Experience of working with a variety of Microsoft Office systems.
Experience of working with professionals within social care including social workers, nurses and occupational therapists.

Desirable

Experience of working in a community mental health setting
Experience of using the LAS electronic information system

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.