Social Work Assistant

Social Work Assistant
Bedford
21/hr
Start date: ASAP

AKTON Recruitment is working with the local authorities and we are looking for a Social Work Assistant in the Bedford area.

JOB PURPOSE:

• To work as a member of the team alongside Social workers providing a first point of contact for potential customers, service providers and other agencies.
• To receive, gather and provide information and advise people accordingly.
• To assess customer's needs, determine eligibility for services, implement a support plan and review the plan.
• To maintain accurate records in accordance with departmental policy

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To act as first point of contact for the Community Older People's Social work Team as required.
• To ensure that relevant information is obtained from customers, their families and other agencies in respect of the needs of individuals who may need assistance from Adult Services.
• To provide accurate information to people and to signpost people to other agencies and resources.
• To carry out assessments and reviews, under supervision of the Senior Practitioner
• (appropriate to level of competence).
• To identify a range of options available to meet the recognised needs and agree a support plan, taking into account current eligibility criteria, liaising with Senior Practitioner as required.
• To ensure the support plan is implemented in a timely manner.
• To monitor the needs of the client and their carer to ensure a positive outcome.
• To liaise with other professionals such as GP's and District Nurses in order to agree the appropriate action.

Qualifications, relevant experience, skills/ abilities

• Must demonstrate a good level of academic achievement with GCSE English (or equivalent).
• Must have experience of working with Adults in a social care setting or be able to demonstrate the ability to work with Adults.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of disability and illness relating to older people or the ability to acquire such knowledge.
• Must demonstrate the ability to speak fluent English at a level appropriate to be ableto carry out the duties of the post, and have well developed written communication skills with the ability to use a range of styles.
• Must demonstrate experience of team working and be able to generate a positive team spirit to be able to work with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Must demonstrate competent administrative and organisational skills.