Job Introduction
Your new role
There are exciting changes within substance misuse recovery services. We are expanding our provision to improve capacity and quality which this post will be part of and co-located with new mental health practitioner posts, in a multi-disciplinary team based within the Recovery Hub in Southsea. This team will directly support those individuals or families accessing the Recovery Hub with multiple needs, as well as working alongside the Recovery Workers, providing advice and guidance.
We are looking for an experience Senior Social Worker to assess the needs of adults with problematic substance use and their Carers, to then identify creative ways to meet their assessed outcomes under the Care Act 2014. The role includes outcome led interventions, using a strength-based approach to support people to live their lives. You will work collaboratively with others, maintaining a strength based and aspirational approach to achieve the outcomes the person wants. You will be assessing clients needs and agreeing a person-centred support plan, completing reviews of assessments and support plans as required. You will be supporting people with all their health, mental health and social care needs in a recovery focused way, promoting independence. Working with a wide range of services and agencies, you will be supporting both crisis management and mental capacity when required. You will have extensive experience of supervising staff and be responsible for managing your caseload. In addition, you will chair or support other staff to chair multi-agency risk management meetings.
Who is the person summary:
You will be a qualified and experienced Social Worker registered with Social Work England. With excellent assessment and supervision skills you will have . a thorough knowledge of Adult Social Care eligibility criteria, Continuing Healthcare processes, and the legislative frameworks that underpin practice, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act. In addition, you will have post-qualifying qualifications, such as Best Interest Assessor (BIA) or Practice Educator.
The role requires a practitioner who is committed to delivering personalised, strengths-based approaches that promote independence, choice and positive outcomes for adults. With a comprehensive awareness in safeguarding practice you will be able to apply legislation, policy and professional judgement effectively to support individuals. Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities are required, enabling you to work collaboratively with service users, families and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
You will be able to manage a varied caseload efficiently, managing competing demands and changing priorities while maintaining high standards of professional practice. Good written communication and evidence-based recording skills are required, ensuring that case records are accurate, robust and suitable for legal proceedings where necessary. The ability to communicate confidently and effectively, including managing challenging situations and resolving conflict, is essential, as is the ability to provide clear advice and support in spoken English.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Additional Information
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact
[email protected] or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
