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DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Social Worker
Grade:
Grades 8 – 9
Service:
Adult Social Care and Homelessness Service
Service Area:
Mental Health
Responsible to:
Team Manager
Job ID Number / Date Issued:
ID 04267 ID 04269
Job Purpose
To deliver a high quality social work service to adults and their families to achieve positive
outcomes in line with the Service’s visions and priorities.
Social Workers are expected to provide support and to develop resilience and
independence, ensuring that adults and their families are at the centre of decision making
about their lives and the outcomes that they want to achieve without compromising their
safety.
The social worker will develop an understanding of the culture, health and social needs of
the locality or community to inform practice.
Basic preventative work will be undertaken in order to reduce the need for managed care
or accommodation and where necessary the social worker will make and support
placement arrangements and future plans for individuals.
Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Job Specific Principle Accountabilities
1. Provide a direct social work service to those adults and families who are identified as
in need of care and support in accordance with statute, national and regional
policies and guidelines, incorporating an outcome focussed approach, identifying
appropriate service responses at different levels to achieve this.
2. Work in partnership and develop effective relationships with colleagues in other
Social Service sections, private and voluntary sector, Health and Emergency services
to deliver an integrated response to meeting need.
3. Build effective relationships and work in partnership with adults and their
families/carers to identify and meet needs and ensure that the rights of the
individual are safeguarded.
4. Ensure that the statutory timescales for assessment and review are met.
5. Use Collaborative skills approaches, to support the effective participation of citizens
in the assessment, care planning and review processes, ensuring they are at the
centre of the decision making.
6. Respond to safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Wales Safeguarding
Procedures 2019.
7. Carry out safeguarding investigations and complete risk assessments.
8. Contribute to the preparation and presentation of reports and plans at Strategy
meetings, reviews and Case Conferences.
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9. Work in partnership with other Social Service areas, developing knowledge and
awareness of what is available to ensure access to a range of early and
preventative interventions which are community based.
10. Maintain professional accountability for the allocation of resources in accordance
with service criteria, legislation, financial and other regulations of the council.
11. Ensure an early and effective response to concerns or complaints.
12. Support adults and their families / carers to actively participate in the development
of the service.
13. Prepare appropriately for and contribute effectively to meetings.
14. Chair meetings where required, quality assuring the record/minutes of these
meetings. This applies particularly to Integrated Care and Support plan review
meetings, Best Interests Meetings and Multidisciplinary Meetings.
15. Prepare written reports for a range of purposes, ensuring they are accurate,
coherent, complete and up to date, containing detailed analysis when required.
16. Attend team meetings and contribute to the development of the service
17. Maintain a specific caseload of varied complexity.
18. Use research, theory, evidence based practice and other problem solving
methodology in achieving good outcomes for adults and their families and carers.
19. Maintain good recording practices, ensuring records are accurate, coherent, up to
date and completed in a timely manner.
20. Ensure that time specific tasks are completed within timescale, and act upon
telephone, electronic and written communication received in a timely manner.
21. Immediately bring to the attention of the Team Manager, and in their absence or as
appropriate the Deputy Team Manager, any matters of concern or special interest
and seek guidance and support with complex decision making.
22. Promote anti-discriminatory practices and act in a non-oppressive way towards
individuals, carers and colleagues.
23. Provide a positive role model in relation to conduct within the workplace including
good workload and time management.
24. Exercise responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act and respond
promptly and robustly in relation to these regulations.
Professional Development
1. You must maintain your professional registration and comply with post-registration
training and learning, continue in professional education and learning, and fitness to
practise requirements.
2. Prepare for and participate in professional supervision and performance
development reviews to support personal development and adherence to
professional standards.
3. Attend training and seminars designed to develop the personal and professional
expertise of the post and disseminate knowledge and learning to colleagues across
the service as appropriate.
Corporate Duties & Responsibilities
1. Compliance with the Authority’s Policies and Procedures and to make known to
Senior Officers any areas which are not adequately covered.
2. To participate actively in supporting the Authority’s principles and practices of
equality of opportunity as laid down within the Equalities Policy.
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3. To be responsible for the application of Health & Safety practices within the daily
operations, sharing a common responsibility for Health & Safety across the
department, directorate and Authority as a whole.
4. Employees will be required to give certain information relating to themselves in order
that the Authority may properly carry out its duties, rights and obligations as an
employer. The Authority will process and control such data principally for personnel,
administrative and payroll purposes.
5. As a term of your employment and in order to maintain effective departmental
operations, you may be required to undertake any other reasonable task,
commensurate with your grade, as determined by your Line Manager or Head of
Service.
6. To be responsible for establishing good working relationships both internally and
externally.
7. Denbighshire is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable groups. All
Council employees are expected to be aware of the Corporate Safeguarding Policy
and their responsibility to report any concerns in the appropriate manner and
timescales.
Resources/Equipment/Material
N/A
Supervision/Management of People
Develop skills to be able to delegate casework and support work effectively and
appropriately, providing advice and guidance in a clear and holistic manner to facilitate
change and maximise potential.
Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience
- Qualification in Social Work i.e. Degree in Social Work or recognised predecessor
equivalent such as DipSW.
- Be registered with the Care Council for Wales as a ‘Social Worker’ and re-register at three
yearly intervals.
- At the end of Year 2 having completed 1st year in practice requirements, be able to
demonstrate an initial consolidation of Social Work practice.
- An approved Continued Professional Education and Learning (CPEL Consolidation
Programme should commence on completion of the First Year in Practice and be
completed by the time the person is 3 years post qualified.
- On completion of CPEL Consolidation Programme a portfolio of evidence will need to
collated for progression to grade 9
- There will be an opportunity to undertake training to supervise and assess student social
workers throughout their practice learning opportunities.
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Special Working Conditions
When working alone (providing face to face service at various locations around
Denbighshire or in clients’ own homes) the postholder must be aware of the need to work
within the parameters of the Lone Working Policy and be aware of their own health and
safety.
There will be a requirement to work within assigned localities, and the ability to travel is
essential for the role.
There will be the expectation that you will respond to service needs outside of your locality
as and when required by the management team.
The postholder will work on the Duty System Rotas – as set out by the relevant Manager.
Employment Checks/ Specific Requirements
A DBS Check is required for this role due to one to one contact with citizens and carers
All new starters are required to undergo our standard safer recruitment checks; DBS
clearance, 2 satisfactory references covering 3 years’ employment, evidence of essential
qualifications, evidence of Right to Work in the UK.
Denbighshire County Council recognises its obligations to safeguard children and adults
together with preventing slavery and human trafficking and will do all in its power to
prevent slavery and human trafficking within its business. Modern slavery can take many
forms including the trafficking of people, forced labour, servitude and slavery.
Safeguarding is everyone’s business and all Denbighshire employees are required to work
in accordance with the Council’s Child and Adult Safeguarding policies and procedures
and have a duty to report any concerns which may be noted during the course of their
duties and are asked to be alert to the signs of exploitation. Concerns should be raised via
their Designated Safeguarding Manager in order that the Council can take prompt action
when exploitation is identified.
Vision/Context
Our vision is to support individuals to maintain or recover their independence by providing
early intervention and prevention services that also support the development of
individuals' and communities' resilience and not reliance on formal care services.
The social care part of the service is also focused on providing and commissioning high
quality care and support services for those in greatest need but this is still with a focus on
the principles of least intervention and reducing dependence.
This vision is delivered through working in partnership with local communities, health, the
3rd sector and others to deliver both mainstream and targeted services that promote
independence and resilience.
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Our vision is supported by legislation contained in the Social Services and Well-being Act
(Wales) 2014 and the Housing Act (Wales) 2014.
The post holder, will be expected to provide advice for cases in the field they specialise in
and will provide support and guidance to the Social Care Practitioners in undertaking less
complex cases. Taking the lead on good practice, they will attain high professional
standards in relation to their work.
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Social Worker – Career Pathway
These roles are part of a Career Path, meaning we are able to consider applicants who
perhaps do not meet all the criteria of a fully qualified and experienced Senior Social
Worker.
Applicants meeting all the criteria set out in the highest graded role will be given priority
consideration for interview. However, we also welcome applications from those meeting the
criteria in the lower grades. The successful candidates will be supported to progress through
the grades until they are suitably qualified and experienced, and will be paid according to
the criteria they meet
Grade 8
Grade 9
Social Worker
ID 04267
Senior Social Worker
ID 04269
Qualifications
Qualification in Social Work
i.e. Degree or Social Work
predecessor e.g. DipSW
Registration with the Care
Council as a ‘social worker’
For Social Workers qualified
from 2012:
Completion of approved
CPEL Consolidation
programme within 3 years
post qualification.
Qualification in Social Work i.e. Degree
or Social Work predecessor e.g. DipSW
Registration with the Care Council as a
‘social worker’
For Social Workers qualified from 2012:
Attainment of the CPEL Consolidation
in Social work programme
Relevant
Experience
Able to demonstrate
working to national
occupational standard for
Social Work and the Care
Council for Wales Code of
Practice for Social Care
Workers.
Experience of working in a
multi-disciplinary multi-
agency setting and
developing effective
relationships.
Able to demonstrate working to
national occupational standard for
Social Work and the Care Council for
Wales Code of Practice for Social Care
Workers.
Experience of working in a multi-
disciplinary multi-agency setting and
developing effective relationships.
Experience and evidence of working
with complex cases and using
Safeguarding procedures.
Knowledge
and Skills
Knowledge of relevant
legislation, Government
initiatives and their
implications especially the
Detailed knowledge of relevant
legislation, Government initiatives and
the implications especially the Social
Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act
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Social Services and
Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014.
Knowledge and
demonstration of the values
of social work
Excellent written
communication and
recording skills
Efficient administrative skills
and familiarity with
Information Technology and
Information Systems.
The ability to actively reflect
and evaluate own practice
and implement changes.
The ability to work within
agreed boundaries.
Using meaningful
conversations and
observation skills to work
with individuals to identify
needs and desired
outcomes.
Evidence of commitment to
continued professional
development.
The ability to explore and
apply alternative solutions
to any traditional service
provision.
Evidence that professional
principles, codes and values
of Social work are
underpinning work in
relation to anti
discriminatory and inclusive
practice, and team
professional development is
enhanced by contributing
to this process.
2014 and the Mental Capacity Act
2005
Knowledge and demonstration of the
values of social work
Excellent written communication and
recording skills
Efficient administrative skills and
familiarity with Information Technology
and Information Systems.
The ability to actively reflect and
evaluate own practice and implement
changes
The ability to work within agreed
boundaries.
Using meaningful conversations and
observation skills to work with
individuals to identify needs and
desired outcomes.
Evidence of commitment to continued
professional development.
Evidence that professional principles,
codes and values of Social work are
underpinning work in relation to anti
discriminatory and inclusive practice,
and team professional development is
enhanced by contributing to this
process.
Practice and performance standards
are consistently applied and achieved.
Experience of assessing the complex
needs of individuals and their carers in
a person centred outcome focussed
way and packages of care
negotiated, monitored and reviewed.
Ability to ensure risks to individuals and
others are assessed and balanced in a
way that promotes empowerment, self
determination, independence and
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Practice and performance
standards are consistently
applied and achieved.
Experience of assessing the
complex needs of
individuals and their carers
in a person centred
outcome focussed way and
packages of care
negotiated, monitored and
reviewed.
Ability to ensure risks to
individuals and others are
assessed and balanced in a
way that promotes
empowerment, self
determination,
independence and choice
for service users and their
carers is essential.
The ability to explore and
apply creative solutions to
achieving outcomes
choice for service users and their carers
is essential.
The ability to explore and apply
creative solutions to achieving
outcomes
To have research skills which can be
utilised in service development
Personal
Qualities
Ability to comprehend and
work within Organisational
policies to meet the
differing needs of service
users and staff.
Effective team player,
providing support and
mentorship to peers on a
practical and emotional
level when necessary.
Enthusiasm, self-motivation
and ability to influence.
The ability to evaluate own
and others’ practice and
implement changes.
Good verbal and non-
verbal communication skills
and a facilitative style to
ensure understanding and
Ability to comprehend and work within
Organisational policies to meet the
differing needs of service users and
staff.
Ability to work collaboratively with
service users, cares and other
professionals
Effective team player, providing
support and mentorship to peers on a
practical and emotional level when
necessary.
Enthusiasm, self-motivation and ability
to influence.
The ability to evaluate own and others’
practice and implement changes.
Excellent verbal and non-verbal
communication skills and a facilitative
style to ensure understanding and
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progress for service users,
support staff and less
experienced colleagues.
Resilience in a pressurised
environment.
Demonstrate responsibility
for good Professional
conduct, practice and
learning and promote such
behaviors in others.
Ability to adapt positively to
changing working
environment and practices
and to support others
through change.
Willingness to embrace
integrated practice by
supporting the changing
structures and processes to
achieve multi-disciplinary
working.
progress for service users, support staff
and less experienced colleagues.
Ability to effectively Chair
multidisciplinary meetings
Resilience in a pressurised environment.
The ability to support others working in
stressful situations.
Role model excellent professional
practice conduct and learning
The ability to influence and adapt
positively to change within the working
environment and practices and to
support others through that change.
Willingness to ensure integrated
practice by supporting the changing
structures and processes to achieve
multi-disciplinary working.
Any Other
Requirements
/ Information
To demonstrate awareness
of the Welsh Language and
culture within the working
environment
Good time management
and organisational skills
Has a flexible and positive
approach to duties, working
patterns, locations and
hours making full use of
modern technology and
flexible working systems.
The ability to travel is a
requirement of the post
To demonstrate awareness of the
Welsh Language and culture within the
working environment.
Excellent time management and
organisational skills.
Has a flexible and positive approach to
duties, working patterns, locations and
hours making full use of modern
technology and flexible working
systems and encourages the same in
others
The ability to travel is a requirement of
the post
Evidence Sources:
- Performance appraisals, one-to-one’s, probationary period, feedback from customers
and/or colleagues
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- Completion of Continued Professional Education and Learning (CPEL Consolidation
Programme should commence on completion of the First Year in Practice and be
completed by the time the person is 3 years post qualified.
- Portfolio of evidence will need to collated for progression to grade 9
Performance:
Employee sickness or disciplinary sanctions may have an adverse effect on progression
through the Career Pathway, resulting in the employee spending longer within each band
above.
Other extenuating circumstances such as maternity leave will also be taken into
consideration.
Progression:
In order to progress through the Career Pathway employees will need to ensure that they
meet the required qualification standards and produce evidence as per the above.
Once an employee has demonstrated they meet the criteria of the next grade, they will
then move into this grade. Employees cannot progress to the next Grade until they meet
the criteria for that Grade.
It is expected that employees will progress through the CPEL framework within 3 years,
and be expected to access all available support to enhance their learning experience
and maximise their potential. There is some discretion and flexibility here but a reasonable
timeframe is still expected.
In Community Support Services progression to Grade 9 will be achieved via a submission
of a record of reflective practice, supporting statement from Line Manager and a
competency based assessment interview. This will be conducted by a panel consisting of
the relevant Service Manager, Team Manager and a representative of the Workforce
Development Team.
Applications for progression between pathway stages must be done using the Contract
Change Form. Appointments can be made within the Career Pathways structure in line
with above requirements.
