THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS GROUP

SOCIAL SERVICES – COMMUNITY CARE

JOB PROFILE

JOB TITLE:                     Social Worker/Care Manager (Learning Disabilities, High Support)

LOCATION:                    Kensington Town Hall

RANGE:                           C/D

RESPONSIBLE TO:        Team Manager

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide a professional care management service to people with learning disabilities who are the responsibility of the Royal Borough. Based at Kensington Town Hall, working with individuals and their families, with particular focus on people with high support needs.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To match the needs of users against the eligibility criteria for care management services and assess, screen and refer on as appropriate.
• To develop, commission and monitor care provision with service users.
• To collate information for strategic commissioning purposes.
• To participate in the duty service.
• To be familiar with departmental polices and procedures and the wider issues of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act 1983, the NHS Community Care Act 1990 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
• To participate in team and service developments.
• To undertake joint visits and assessments as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• To participate in the development of working between joint teams.
• To work in co-operation with a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations and informal networks within each service user’s community.
• To make use of training and staff development initiatives and where appropriate, contribute to training within the department.
• To contribute to working groups and other special projects as agreed by the team manager .
• To work with individuals with learning disabilities who have challenging behaviours
• To act as a point of reference for borough employees and others seeking information about services for people with learning disabilities.
• To work within the operational polices of the team including referrals, liaison, case records and decision making.
• To attend supervision sessions and keep the line manager informed of current workload and issues of complex contentious nature.
• To participate in training and make constructive use of regular supervision to enhance opportunities for personal development and to improve the quality and standard of services.
• To use and develop new information technology systems including Lotus Notes, MS Office, E-mail and client index systems. 
• To carry out the responsibilities of the post at all times with due regard to equal opportunities, departmental and local standards, and the maintenance of confidentiality and service user choice.
• Diploma in Social work or equivalent.
• Experience of working within Health or Social Services setting.
• Experience of working as a care manager.
• Experience of working with people with disabilities ideally with people with learning disabilities.
• Ability to undertake needs-led assessments and make appropriate interventions/care plans.
• A good understanding of the care management process and how it relates to people with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing people with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with challenging behaviours.
• Knowledge and understanding of the department’s statutory responsibilities within legislation, including the Mental Health Act 1983, the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
•  Ability to provide a culturally sensitive service.
• IT literacy and the ability to adapt and develop new systems.
• Ability to develop and maintain administrative systems.
• Ability to work in a highly organised manner, including prioritising and working to deadlines.
• Ability to liase and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• To develop and understanding and knowledge of the private and voluntary sector.
• To work creatively under pressure.
• To work as part of a team.
• To be flexible and adapt to the changing needs of the service.
• To use own initiative and with the confidence to work with minimum supervision.
• To represent the department in a professional manner with service users, colleagues and other agencies.
• To understand and apply the principles of customer care, confidentiality and equal opportunities.
• To have a calm, tactful and sympathetic approach, when dealing with people but with the ability to be assertive when appropriate.
• Resilience in dealing with the pressures of the job.
• Honesty and integrity.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job profile are indicative of the role, however they are not exhaustive and may be subject to change.  In addition, you will be required to undertake other reasonable duties as directed by your manager.

THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY CARE

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE:        Social Worker/ Care Manager

                           (Learning Disabilities – Challenging Needs )

RANGE:             C/D

Listed below are the requirements needed to undertake this job. These will form a key part of the selection process. In addition all jobs with the Royal Bough require satisfactory work performance and a good attendance record together with good standards of conduct and personal behaviour. Evidence of these will be set as part of the selection process.

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

QUALITIES