Social Care Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Experienced Social Care Practitioners are expected to work in line with the requirements described in the Workforce Quality Assurance Framework. Experienced Social Care Practitioners carry out the following tasks within the Care Act 2014 - Assessment and review of customers needs and outcomes - Co-ordination of the customer/carer journey in identifying eligible needs and outcomes - Where applicable, work in partnership with the customer and other agencies in compiling an appropriate support plan. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

To undertake person-centered work with customers and to plan for the provision of support and/ or services with customers in order to assist them meet their outcomes and to live as independently as possible, giving consideration to whether the person needs support to fully participate in the assessment and support planning process

To consider whether there is a concern about an individuals capacity to make a specific decision, including restrictions placed on an individual which may amount to a deprivation of their liberty (i.e., they are subject to continuous supervision and control and are not free to leave.

To write support plans for individuals which reflects the individuals needs and how they will be met, in a manner which complies with Care Act requirements

To have a good understanding of assessment, support planning and the management of risks for individuals and to be able to apply Council policy and support customers to manage risk appropriately.

To carry out support plan reviews in a timely and person-centred way, as required and identified by departmental targets, taking a view on whether agreed outcomes have been met.

To gather sufficient information about customers in order to be able to accurately assess their needs against the national minimum eligibility criteria within the Care Act 2014. This includes working creatively to identify sources of support to improve the individuals well-being and independence and making a determination about eligibility for support from Wiltshire Council

To identify where adults may be at risk and to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

To support carers to continue in their role by identifying their needs for support, referring them to Carer Support Wiltshire for a carers assessment and other action as appropriate, giving consideration of the impact on the whole family of any caring role and responsibilities

To take responsibility for making accurate and timely recording of all information and activity onto the social care records database in accordance with work targets set by the Team Manager and Supervisor.

To contribute to gathering and updating local knowledge about universally available services including what is available locally within the voluntary and community sector, as well as the service areas commissioned and contracted services and to signpost/advocate for customers accordingly.

To evidence need for continuing support at all times in accordance with eligibility criteria and to work with customers and care providers to identify promotion of increased independence.

To represent the Council at inter professional and interagency meetings, for example multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings

To contribute proactively to the effective working of the team with positive attitude, by sharing knowledge, offering advice and support and by preparedness to be involved in the development of services.

To fully engage and prepare for own supervision and appraisal through self-evaluation, ensuring that continual professional development is evidenced.

To be an ambassador for the Council and the department at all times, always representing the Council positively, professionally and appropriately at meetings with customers, external partners and agencies.

Attending Civil Emergencies when a Rest Centre is set up (happens rarely)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Previous experience of working in a health or social care environment or similar
• setting
• NVQ level 4 in Health and Social Care or Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care or
• equivalent or the ability to demonstrate the skills required and a commitment to work
• towards a relevant qualification as defined by the council within an agreed timeframe
• Ability to utilise a range of Microsoft and electronic social care record software
• Has up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working
• with, and the safeguarding of, vulnerable adults.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with people in a
• variety of ways and levels.
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks, work on own initiative against deadlines and plan and
• organise own work
• Ability to work without direct supervision and also know when to discuss with a social
• worker, an occupational therapist or a manager
• Good understanding of the national agenda for Transformation in Social Care
• Ability to work in a person centred way to meet individual outcomes
• Fully fluent in spoken and written English

Experience

Essential

• High level of relevant and practical experience acquired on.
• An advanced understanding of relevant procedures and working practices.
• Advanced knowledge of specialist function relevant to service area.
• Excellent ICT skills including use of Microsoft applications and specialist systems.
• Significant experience of working with clients and client groups with complex needs.
• Proven ability to carry out client risk assessments to identify eligibility for service provision and/or
• risk of harm.
• Proven ability to advise and guide clients to encourage development and to access services to
• which they are entitled.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with clients, client groups and colleagues.
• Proven ability to interpret situations, analyse behaviours to make judgements and deliver
• interventions to achieve outcomes.
• Proven ability to deliver training.

Experience

Essential

• High level of relevant and practical experience acquired on.
• An advanced understanding of relevant procedures and working practices.
• Advanced knowledge of specialist function relevant to service area.
• Excellent ICT skills including use of Microsoft applications and specialist systems.
• Significant experience of working with clients and client groups with complex needs.
• Proven ability to carry out client risk assessments to identify eligibility for service provision and/or
• risk of harm.
• Proven ability to advise and guide clients to encourage development and to access services to
• which they are entitled.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with clients, client groups and colleagues.
• Proven ability to interpret situations, analyse behaviours to make judgements and deliver
• interventions to achieve outcomes.
• Proven ability to deliver training.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Wiltshire Council

Address

County Hall

Bythesea Rd

Trowbridge

Wiltshire

BA14 8JN

Employer's website

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)