Social Worker - Physical Disability and Older People Team

We are looking for a qualified Social Worker to come and join the Physical Disability and Older People (PDOP) Social Care team here at Reading Borough Council (RBC).  Wherever you are in your own career journey, we’re committed to offering the support and development you need.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities

About the Team:

The PDOP Team works closely with other teams here at RBC who are involved with the delivery of Adult Social Care.  The PDOP team forms part of the Living Well Service of ASC where the Mental Health and Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) team are also members.  A Head of Service oversees all work and responsibilities of the Living Well Service.

 

PDOP is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Social Care Co-ordinators we provide the next step in assessment and support planning to people who are 18 years and over and have a long-term physical disability or are over 65 years old.

 

Team Vision

‘To maximise the quality of life of Reading residents who have a long-term physical disability or are over 65 years of age and have care act eligible needs using a strength based and problem solving approach.’

About the Role:

The team is focused on supporting people who require unplanned reviews of their existing care and support or have been identified by the Advice and Well Being Hub in need of ongoing care and support.  We also undertake S.42 safeguarding enquiries and BIA assessments and carry out various legal undertakings in partnership with the Joint Legal Team.

 

We operate and adhere to the legal framework for adults; Care Act 2014, MCA 2005, DoLS, 2008 (and where appropriate Mental Health Act 1983 (2007), to work with people in a strengths-based way to; promote wellbeing, rights and independence, prevent the need for care and bring about timely interventions with positive outcomes.

 

Our aim is to be a high performing, efficient, multidisciplinary team focusing on TEAM Reading values that supports and values staff and the skills and diversity they bring to the team.

 

Working as a Social Worker in PDOP you will be part of a friendly and supportive team, where development and training are encouraged.  We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate great communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, services users and health care providers.

 

Duties include:

• To complete timely Care Act assessments with a strength-based focus, delivering positive outcomes for the individuals of Reading
• To promote the use of direct payments to give individuals the flexibility in how they meet their needs.
• To work with all families and carers ensuring that carers assessments are completed to promote support to individuals with a caring role.
• To develop close and effective relationships with providers, community voluntary services, and health professionals.
• To complete Mental Capacity Act Assessments to a high standard.
• Undertake community DOLs and prepare records for Court of Protection.
• To be a high performing, efficient, supportive and outcome focused team member who together embed the principles of TEAM Reading.
• To work with the whole team including OT’s and Social Care Co-ordinators to ensure a holistic assessment of need using a strengths-based approach.
• To support on duty when required.
• To hold a varied caseload and contribute to the team performance and positive outcomes for our residents.
  
  

This post offers opportunities to improve your skills and experience in Adult Social Care with high quality, client-led, interventions to service users in their own homes, in a friendly and supportive team.

You will work within the legal framework provided by the statute, guidance, policies and procedures.

You will need to have:

• A degree or equivalent in Social Work
• Registration with Social Work England
• Understanding of the Care Act 2014
• Understanding of The Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007)
• Other legislation linked Mental Health

We offer excellent support, supervision and induction.  You will have access to our Learning and Development programme and be supported in your career and personal growth with opportunities to learn and develop new clinical skills, helping you to build your Continuing Professional Development portfolio, extending your skills and supporting you to grow as a social worker.

RBC’s vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this - TEAM:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

 

Our offer
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities 
• Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted,
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
• Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.

 

Closing date: Applications reviewed upon submission
Interview date: To be confirmed

If you would like to find out more about this role and the team, please contact Pip Durant (PDOP Team Manager) on 07815 701 876 or pippa.durant@reading.gov.uk

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services. It’s a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.