Job description

This is a newly created post which has arisen out of the revised s75 agreement between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Buckinghamshire Council.

Social Work Assistants will carry out a range of social care tasks including assessment of need and review of existing packages of care for service users and carers under the Care Act. You will arrange for care packages to be set up or amended in line with Care Act and s117 (MHA) eligibility criteria.

Training and support to develop your existing knowledge and skills is available within this supportive and experienced Adult Mental Health Team. While working closely with, and being based within the multi-disciplinary team, your line management and direct support sits within the dedicated social care structure.

The post-holder will be required to visit people in their own homes and in placements across the north of Buckinghamshire and input directly in the Council's electronic information system, LAS. There is an expectation for the post-holder to train to carry out the Appropriate Adult function under the Police & Criminal Evidence Act and act in this capacity on a rota basis.

Undertake Care Act assessments for adults with mental health needs and their carers who are ordinarily resident in Buckinghamshire and appear to be in need of care and support. This includes people living in the community and people who may be on one of our inpatient wards and planning towards discharge.

Using a strengths-based approach you will help adults and their families make best use of community resources to support them to live as independently as possible.

Arrange for commissioned services to be put in place where necessary, in line with eligibility and Council policy.

Review existing packages of care in line with the Care Act and s117 MHA and the Mental Capacity Act.

You will develop a good understanding of the Council's charging and top-up and choice policies and give information and advice to adults and their families when assessing and arranging care and support.

Work jointly with Social Worker and health colleagues to deliver a supportive and empowering service to adults and their families.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.

Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible

Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”

Our values are: “Caring, safe and excellent”

At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Competitive pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
• Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

The recent s75 consultation has created a new structure for delivering social care within Oxford Health in Buckinghamshire and streamlined the management and reporting processes. Social care staff remain co-located and work in dedicated CMHT teams, while benefiting from supervision and line-management within the social care framework.

Social Work Assistants are a new role within this structure and bring opportunities for workers to extend and develop their skills and knowledge. There are opportunities for career progression into Buckinghamshire Council's Apprenticeship programme to become a qualified Social Worker. Training and development opportunities are available from both Oxford Health and Buckinghamshire Council which provide a wide range of options for learning and development.

To assess and review the needs of clients referred to or already within the service. To develop high quality assessment, reviews and plans which focus on both which focus on both independence for and outcomes desired
by the individual. To work in partnership with other professionals and organisations.

See Job Description and Person Specification