Social Care Officer

**Job Description
Social Care Officer**
**£35,577 - £36,567 per annum**

**About the Role**

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Social Care Officer posts within the Mental Health Adult Social Care Access Team (MHASCAT). MHASCAT is the front door service for all new referrals into mental health social services which sits within the Primary Care Networks (PCN) space in conjunction with our health colleagues.

We are looking for a Social Care Officer who wants to develop their skills with case work under the Care Act 2014, undertaking assessments of need, completing support plans and working with residents and carers to maximize independence and improve well-being, ascertaining the level of need and signposting as appropriate.

Other duties include but are not limited to, daily screening of all new referrals that come through our Duty system. This includes referrals from health (including GP’s and hospitals), other teams within LBN such as Children’s Services and housing, out of borough cases that may require thorough background research, and self-referrals from residents and their carers and families.

You will also take phone calls from the general public, giving advice to residents and families about what support is available to them within LBN social services as well as have knowledge of charities and other partner organisations within Newham.

As a Social Care Officer, you will need to be able to make judgement calls with your line manager on the appropriateness of the referral, the type of support that you feel the resident requires, and signpost accordingly. Most of the role will be over the telephone and virtually, however you may be asked to undertake emergency home visits if and when required.

There is a strong commitment to supporting professional development, to improve services and outcomes for vulnerable people. As a Social Care Officer, we know that you want to make a difference and working in Newham you will be given support and the opportunity to do so.

**About You**

We are looking for a passionate, dedicated and curious team member, who is happy to work autonomously whist knowing when to escalate in a busy and fast-paced team, and has the ability to effectively prioritise.

An understanding of the social determinants of mental health issues is desirable along with the complexities that may go with it including physical health, drug and alcohol issues, forensics issues, antisocial behaviour, and housing issues that may impact on a person’s well-being.

You will have strong IT skills, strong communication skills both verbal and written, and be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team. You will also have an understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act which are the statutory legislation used to undertake decisions about care needs.

The successful post holder must be willing to work within a hybrid model (home and workplace) be doubly vaccinated against Covid-19 and have a current DBS.

Closing date: 30th September 2024

**Additional Information**

Newham is one of the youngest, most diverse, and vibrant boroughs in the UK. As an inclusive employer, we are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects our local population. We welcome and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, including applicants who are ethnically diverse and/or applicants who have a disability.

Priority consideration on all advertised roles will be given to London Borough of Newham Redeployees.

The London Borough of Newham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please be aware that a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) check will be required for any position with access to these groups under the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

In addition, the Authority reserves the right to request employees undertake a basic disclosure check (Disclosure Scotland) where required for the role this includes anyone who has access to (or information obtained directly from) a government database, or has a GCSX account. These posts will be required to have a Basic Disclosure Scotland check as per the requirements of BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standards).

**To apply, please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.**
- About Us
The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It