Social Work Assistant

3 month contract role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• Support the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) for Older People in delivering person-centred and strengths-based social care services.

• Work directly with older adults experiencing mental health needs to support their wellbeing, recovery and independence.

• Undertake assessments, support care planning and assist social workers in implementing care and treatment plans.

• Manage a caseload, provide direct support to service users and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes for individuals and their families.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Work in partnership with individuals to identify their strengths, needs and desired outcomes.

• Support older adults to maximise independence and develop coping strategies for managing mental health challenges.

• Undertake wellbeing assessments and risk assessments, considering personal outcomes, available resources and relevant legislation.

• Assist in the development of care and treatment plans and make recommendations to support individuals’ needs and recovery goals.

• Work alongside social workers to implement, monitor and review care and support packages.

• Manage and prioritise a caseload in line with responsibilities and service requirements.

• Provide direct support to service users, offering guidance to families and carers where appropriate.

• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and liaise with professionals, safeguarding teams and partner agencies.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in line with Adult Services case recording policies.

• Participate in the team duty rota and respond to service needs as required.

• Identify and report safeguarding concerns relating to adults at risk in accordance with council policies.

• Engage in supervision, team meetings and professional development activities.

• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and best practice within social care and mental health services.

Skills/Experience:

• Experience supporting adults or individuals with care and support needs in a social care, health or community setting.

• Understanding of mental health issues affecting older people.

• Experience contributing to assessments and care planning processes.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with service users, families and professionals.

• Ability to build positive working relationships with individuals and multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to gather, analyse and present information clearly in reports and records.

• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage a caseload and prioritise workload.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities when working with vulnerable adults.

• Proficiency in using IT systems for case recording and documentation.

Additional Information:

• Bi-Weekly Payments.

• Location: Llanfair Unit, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, CF64 2XX.

• Working Hours: 37 hours per week (09:00–17:00).

• A full valid driving licence and access to a car is required for this role.

• The role requires collaboration with health, social care and partner agencies to support vulnerable adults.

• Candidates must adhere to safeguarding policies and the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers (Social Care Wales).