Social Care Assessor

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

To promote independence, supporting an asset-based approach which seeks to optimise opportunities for people to reduce and delay their need for formal care and support. Undertake assessments of need and eligibility; develop and review personalised support arrangements that will enable people to maximise their independence and maintain safety and well-being. The scope of the role may include working with older people, people with physical and/or learning disability, and people with mental health needs. Both telephone and face to face assessments may be required, although it is likely that the role will focus on either telephone or face-to-face as the main method of delivery according to work location and operational requirements.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Promote an asset based approach, and promote independence by offering information and advice, signposting to other agencies as appropriate, and prompting contact with social and community resources.

2. Gather information, make enquiries and undertake assessments and reviews for adults who may have social care needs or who may be at risk:

a. Gather information from a range of sources, including adults, carers; and relevant others; other agencies, and other people within the persons wider support network.

b. Consider and determine the most appropriate method of delivery for assessment options may include telephone or face to face contact; supported self-assessment online; and for carers by referral to Devon Carers where appropriate or as chosen by the carer;

c. Ensure that the person can engage in the process of assessment or review, considering and identifying ways to support their engagement as appropriate;

d. Use information gathered to analyse and evaluate needs, risks, outcomes, and eligibility. Consider and assess where appropriate the persons mental capacity.

3. Undertake assessments and reviews with carers:

a. Consider and determine the most appropriate method of delivery for assessment options may include telephone or face to face contact; supported self-assessment online; or through referral to Devon Carers or primary care where appropriate or as chosen by the carer;

b. Gather information from a range of sources as agreed with the carer;

c. Ensure that the carer can engage in the process of assessment, considering and identifying ways to support their engagement as appropriate;

d. Use information gathered to analyse and evaluate needs, risks, outcomes, and eligibility.

4. Identify where a specialist contribution may be required to more fully understand or assess individual need or situation, requesting guidance or additional input as required. Identify high risk situations and alert a manager where an urgent response may be required.

5. Identify and consider a range of resources which may support the individual to meet their needs, and achieve outcomes that are important to them. This will include identifying strengths and skills they can develop, and resources in their social and community networks.

6. Ensure that any budget commitment proposed on behalf of Devon County Council is informed by the Resource Allocation System (RAS); is authorised according to the scheme of delegation; meets the requirements of local and national policy and legislation; and makes most effective use of resources and achieves best value.

7. Where appropriate (as part of the care plan or in response to simple service requests meeting eligibility criteria) provide/arrange services by specifying, delivering and/or demonstrating aids to mobility within the parameters defined as appropriate for the role.

8. Plan and arrange support, engaging with the individual and promoting options which will support them in managing and arranging their own support.

9. Provide and signpost to information on DCCs charging policies, financial assessment, cost of care, tops ups and deferred payments. Where appropriate clarify the persons financial circumstances and ensure referral for financial assessment.

10. Review needs, risks, outcomes and support arrangements, ensure that support offered meets eligible assessed needs and that support arrangements are effective, enabling, protect vulnerable people from risk.

11. Accurately record assessments, reviews and support plans, ensuring a copy is provided to the person concerned. Maintain case records, keeping them up to date so that they can provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits of data protection.

12. Manage and monitor a workload which may include assessments for people in a variety of living situations, including to support hospital discharge and exploring concerns where adults may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

13. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with people and other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies, to ensure an integrated approach to assessment, safeguarding and managing care.

14. Apply policy, procedure and guidance in all aspects of care management. Seek advice from colleagues, other professionals, and line manager where this supports safe and effective decision-making. Maintain awareness of policy and procedures to safeguard adults at risk of abuse or neglect, alerting others to risks as appropriate.

15. Participate in a Duty rota system and other shared team responsibilities.

16. Where undertaking face to face assessments outside of the office environment, follow guidance and procedures to ensure personal safety, assessing risk and taking action as required.

17. Conform and actively commit to DCC Customer Service standards, both with internal and external customers when using any communication media to include telephone, email, internet and face to face.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Please refer to the full Job Description & Person Specification on the right hand side when completing your application.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a health or social care environment.
• Experience of managing and resolving conflict.
• Understanding of basic human needs, physical and emotional.
• Knowledge of different professional roles and their area of expertise.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the impact of illness and disability on an individuals ability to function or learn new skills.
• Knowledge of health, independent and voluntary services.
• Knowledge of care management processes.
• Understanding of social care legislation and relevant policies.
• Experience of completing holistic assessments.
• Knowledge of charging requirements and financial assessment relating to community packages and residential care funding.

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or have equivalent experience;
• Evidence of consistent pattern of learning and development from education, training and experience.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Devon County Council

Address

University Hospital

Plymouth

Devon

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.devon.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)