Independence and Wellbeing Practitioner

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we're driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That's why, when you join us as an Independence and Wellbeing Practitioner, you'll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities
- Be part of the IWS West team based at West Suffolk House.
- Hold a case load supporting the residents of Suffolk remain independent.
- Undertake home visits when required and provide detailed information and advice in supporting people to remain independent and safe in their own homes.
- Be involved in and contribute to team development.
- Liaise with other professionals as required on a case by case basis.
- To carry out background research on referrals.
- To work within budgetary restraints to achieve value for money for customers, carers and the service.
- To give good financial and benefit advice.
- To develop skills under the guidance of Occupational Therapists supported by the Occupational Therapy Good Practice Guide to assess functional ability with an emphasis on reablement and advise on options for maximising and maintaining independence, including Daily Living Equipment and adaptations, championing use of Assistive Technology, including the Digital Care solutions.
- To appropriately identify eligibility in line with current legislation and policy.
- To advise customers and carers concerning their rights, the options available to them and how they can be better supported.
- To implement and review Short Term Enablement Plans, identify Personal budgets and implement and review Support Plans with customers.
- To explore with customers and carers creative ways in which their needs may be met by applying the principles of the SLCC model., The Independence and Wellbeing Service (IWS) is the front door Social Work team, working alongside Customer First to offer robust advice, information, equipment, digital care aids at the earliest point of an individuals journey into Adult Social Care. There are three IWS teams in Adult Social Care, located in Waveney, West Suffolk and Ipswich.
IWS work involves, but is not limited to;
- Arranging reablement services
- Undertaking short term assessments
- Mental capacity assessments
- Home visits where appropriate
- Commissioning services
- Reviewing support

Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report, Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the 'Person Profile' section of the JPP.
- You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

A good standard of literacy and numeracy.
- A passion for helping people and making a positive change for the residents of Suffolk.
- The ability to work independently as well as part of a wider team.
- The ability to manage competing needs and pressures.
- The ability to work with a variety of professionals with contrasting views.
- A willingness to learn and continuously improve in everything you do, taking the initiative to learn and develop.
- Basic IT skills and knowledge of computers for word-processing, database, email.
- The ability to communicate effectively in a clear manner to individuals and groups and record information using appropriate format.
- Good listening and communication skills.
- Awareness and understanding of people's emotions and reactions.

£26,421 per annum (pro rata if part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent, This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:

up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!