Qualified Social Worker - South Locality Team (Adults)

We have created more roles in Social Work and Occupational Therapy; we are adapting to work much more closely with the community and support people near to where they live; we have developed a new career progression framework to encourage staff ambition and development; finally, to establish the conditions to deliver outstanding practice, we have reduced the numbers that managers supervise and the caseloads the team have, to allow for more contact with our residents. Initiated in 2019, our strength-based practice model, 'Better Lives', has been improving outcomes linked to independence, developing social connections, and improving areas that are important to the residents we support. Now in 2021, we are looking to refresh our Better Lives Strategy and develop our aspirations further. We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey., As a social worker at Buckinghamshire Council, you will ensure the highest standards of service are provided to the residents of Buckinghamshire. You will:

• Be an ambassador and leader across social work, both internally and externally.
• Provide a high-quality and effective professional casework service, taking responsibility for working and managing a caseload within a framework of appropriate supervision, dependent upon the complexities of these cases and your experience.
• Comply with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies and procedures.
• Deliver outstanding support to our residents and ensure that regular monitoring and review of care and support plans are carried out.
• Be competent in all areas of the Professional Capabilities Framework of Social Work.
Mobile: A 'mobile' role gives you the flexibility to schedule your own diary, so you can meet with colleagues and clients in a variety of locations. You'll access digital folders and resources on your laptop and be able to use the network wherever you are based. Working from home will be common, as well as meeting your team in the office where necessary., Buckinghamshire Council is committed to ensuring that our residents stay as independent as they can, for as long as possible. Everyone has the right to live a fulfilling and nourishing life, and for many people, social care plays a key role in achieving that. We are looking for dynamic Social Workers who are passionate about enabling clients to fulfil their potential, whilst promoting self-determination, and who are passionate, supportive, motivated, and confident when supporting and communicating with people - either on the telephone or face to face. Your work will include carrying out needs assessments, creating person-centred and strengths-based care plans, ensuring delivery of services, and reviewing outcomes with the individual, their personal networks, and support providers. You will work in partnership with other professionals and organisations to support our residents effectively and holistically. Our Social Workers will endorse and act by the principles of personalisation, ensuring that care and support plans are person-centred, and as far as is safely possible, you will put the people with whom you work in control of their lives. You will also demonstrate emotional resilience and intelligence - which is the ability to maintain focus and to 'keep going' despite setbacks and stressful situations, a real desire to enable clients to achieve or maintain their goals of living independently and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. So, if you are looking for a new challenge, want to become part of a team that places a premium on listening and learning, and which is determined to make a difference - we want to hear from you!

You must be a qualified Social Worker (holding a social work degree or equivalent) and be registered with Social Work England. In addition, a full driving licence with access to a vehicle is an essential requirement for this role. Naturally, you'll be a great people person, familiar with working to a strength-based approach. Thinking outside the box, you'll support your clients and help prevent, reduce or delay the need for care. Bringing your in-depth knowledge of the latest legislation and statutory guidance, you'll work independently and with colleagues to support adults and their families. Persistence and an adaptable approach are needed in an outcome-focused way with partners such as health services, community sector, housing, care providers and other stakeholders.

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally., We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are - Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy. By joining us, you can expect:
• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
We know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that's why we're working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation. From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it's important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments. We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

Come join the fantastic South Locality social work team! We are a vibrant community team based in High Wycombe. In addition to the salary advertised, you will receive a market premium of £2,275 per annum, you will also receive a 'Golden Hello' lump-sum payment of £2000 paid on successful completion of your probationary period. Why join us? We are closer then you think!
• We are lucky to have really good transport links including easy access to M25 and M40 and therefore, we are commutable from various locations including Slough, Reading, Hillingdon, Luton and Bedfordshire. We are also outside of the ULEZ zone.
We invest in staff wellbeing
• We understand that you can't give what you don't have so we focus on staff wellbeing to enable employees to support the most vulnerable communities. To achieve that we organise meditation and "getting active" sessions, pull together for team building and volunteering days and promote open and inclusive communication.
Robust induction
• We have innovative approach to induction whereupon you will be provided with a buddy and presented with a schedule of shadowing opportunities already booked into your calendar to help you settle in to your role from the first day on the job.
Realistic expectations
• You can expect a manageable caseload of up to 25 active cases and supportive approachable managers to guide you. You are never alone!
Staff Benefits
• You will get free parking and an essential car user allowance. We will cover the cost of your annual Social Work England registration. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme to those who are eligible and have passed their probation period.
We value and invest in you
• We provide a range of internal and external training courses and free access to RIPFa resources with a council log in. We have a clear career progression pathway to give you opportunities to grow and flourish. You will have a bespoke Personal development plan to support you in exploring your areas of interest., Hard work and success deserves recognition. That's why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme to those who are eligible and have passed their probation period. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.