Job Description

Social Work Assistant – Fixed Term until 10/01/2023 – PKC08919
£26,897 – £29,807
Pullar House, Perth

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to come and join us.

The successful applicant will assist in undertaking outcome focused assessments and reviews of clients in receipt of Self Directed Support care packages who are resident in the community. Carers Support Plans will also be an integral part of this role and therefore knowledge of the Carers Act and the needs of unpaid carers is desirable. You will also be assisting supporting people to return home from an interim placement within a care home setting.

In your role you will support individuals to retain or regain their level of independence by providing a range of social work, occupational therapy and care management tasks. The ability to apply an asset based approach, negotiate flexible packages of care, and the monitoring and reviewing of individual care packages is essential.

As an autonomous worker you will need to have strong assessment and reablement skills demonstrating the ability to plan, maintain, and monitor care plans. Experience of multi-disciplinary working and a commitment to working closely with colleagues from other disciplines is essential.

Also an understanding of technology supports and OT equipment in promoting an individual’s independence is desirable. You will have good organisational skills and be able to manage a caseload with a commitment to improving service provision. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written and knowledge of using IT and Microsoft Office packages are essential. 

This post is currently homeworking due to the pandemic. The Council is currently progressing with a hybrid working model offering access to office working on some days/when required. Initially this is on a temporary basis with longer term options becoming available in future. We are committed to being a more inclusive employer, please contact the recruiting manager to discuss any individual circumstances with the recruiting manager, discuss at interview or if you prefer, after any conditional offer is made, to ensure we can consider any reasonable adjustments. 

The Individual

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can demonstrate they have experience of working with adults.

You will be required to work with adults and carers who require a person centred response. You will be expected to give advice and practical help on the problems associated with daily living activities.

You will have strong assessment skills and will be able to plan, maintain, and monitor packages of care, as well as have the flexibility and skills to respond to changing needs of individuals.

Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate experience of multi-disciplinary working and be committed to working closely with colleagues from other disciplines.

The successful applicant will assist in maintaining vulnerable people in the community by providing a range of social work and care management tasks in accordance with the New Care Standards and the SSSC Codes of Practice. These include carrying out Outcome Focussed Assessments, the negotiation of flexible packages of care, and the monitoring and reviewing of individual care packages delivered via Self Directed Support (SDS).

You must be able to work effectively within a team and demonstrate a commitment to improving service provision. You will be have good organisational skills and be able to manage a caseload. Excellent verbal and written skills are essential. 

You will either have or be willing to work towards SVQ Health and Social Care.

If you would like any more information regarding this vacancy, please contact Melisa Meikle, Team Leader 01738 476811 / 01738 475671 or perthcitysocialwork@pkc.gov.uk

When completing your application for this post, please ensure you provide current contact details (including e-mail addresses) for two referees, one should be your present or most recent employer. However, if you are an existing employee of Perth & Kinross Council, you are only required to provide reference details for your current employer.

Please APPLY ONLINE. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Perth and Kinross. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments, please call 01738 475555 to discuss.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, Perth & Kinross Council carries out rigorous checks on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, employment history, including references, and fitness to undertake the post.

Some jobs may have been traditionally carried out predominately by one gender, but we would encourage you to apply if you meet the requirements, irrespective of your gender.

A healthy work life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work life balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Perth & Kinross Council welcomes applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

Find out more about working for Perth & Kinross Council and living in one of the most scenic areas of Scotland here.