12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Full Time, 37 Hours Per Week
We have an exciting oportunity to join the Care Direct Plus team in North Devon as a Social Care Assessor.
About the Team
The Care Direct Plus team are a group of Social Care Assessor's who support adults in the community by using a assets based approach to promote independance and to redue their need for formal Care and support. The team undertake assessments of need and eligability and review personalised support arrangements that promote independance and maintain safety and wellbeing.
About the role
Promote an asset based approach, and promote independence by offering information and advice, signposting to other agencies as appropriate, and prompting contact with social and community resources..
Gather information, make enquiries and undertake assessments and reviews for adults who may have social care needs or who may be at risk:
Gather information from a range of sources, including adults, carers; and relevant others; other agencies, and other people within the person’s wider support network.
Consider and determine the most appropriate method of delivery for assessment – options may include telephone or face to face contact; supported self-assessment on-line; and for carers by referral to Devon Carers where appropriate or as chosen by the carer;
Ensure that the person can engage in the process of assessment or review, considering and identifying ways to support their engagement as appropriate;
Use information gathered to analyse and evaluate needs, risks, outcomes, and eligibility. Consider and assess where appropriate the person’s mental capacity.
Undertake assessments and reviews with carers:
Consider and determine the most appropriate method of delivery for assessment – options may include telephone or face to face contact; supported self-assessment on-line; or through referral to Devon Carers or primary care where appropriate or as chosen by the carer;
Gather information from a range of sources as agreed with the carer;
Ensure that the carer can engage in the process of assessment, considering and identifying ways to support their engagement as appropriate;
Use information gathered to analyse and evaluate needs, risks, outcomes, and eligibility.
Identify where a specialist contribution may be required to more fully understand or assess individual need or situation, requesting guidance or additional input as required. Identify high risk situations and alert a manager where an urgent response may be required.
Identify and consider a range of resources which may support the individual to meet their needs, and achieve outcomes that are important to them. This will include identifying strengths and skills they can develop, and resources in their social and community networks.
Ensure that any budget commitment proposed on behalf of Devon County Council is informed by the Resource Allocation System (RAS); is authorised according to the scheme of delegation; meets the requirements of local and national policy and legislation; and makes most effective use of resources and achieves best value.
Where appropriate (as part of the care plan or in response to simple service requests meeting eligibility criteria) provide/arrange services by specifying, delivering and/or demonstrating aids to mobility within the parameters defined as appropriate for the role.
Plan and arrange support, engaging with the individual and promoting options which will support them in managing and arranging their own support.
Provide and signpost to information on DCC’s charging policies, financial assessment, cost of care, tops ups and deferred payments. Where appropriate clarify the person’s financial circumstances and ensure referral for financial assessment
Review needs, risks, outcomes and support arrangements, ensure that support offered meets eligible assessed needs and that support arrangements are effective, enabling, protect vulnerable people from risk.
Accurately record assessments, reviews and support plans, ensuring a copy is provided to the person concerned. Maintain case records, keeping them up to date so that they can provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the limits of data protection.
Manage and monitor a workload which may include assessments for people in a variety of living situations, including to support hospital discharge and exploring concerns where adults may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with people and other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies, to ensure an integrated approach to assessment, safeguarding and managing care.
Apply policy, procedure and guidance in all aspects of care management. Seek advice from colleagues, other professionals, and line manager where this supports safe and effective decision-making. Maintain awareness of policy and procedures to safeguard adults at risk of abuse or neglect, alerting others to risks as appropriate.
Participate in a Duty rota system and other shared team responsibilities.
Where undertaking face to face assessments outside of the office environment, follow guidance and procedures to ensure personal safety, assessing risk and taking action as required.
About you
This opportunity would suit individuals looking to develop their skills, knowledge and practice experience within Adult Social Care as well as those considering onward professional development, such as undertaking a social work degree or apprenticeship.
You will ideally be experienced in Adult Social Care and have good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to complete high quality assessments. You must be able to work both independently and within a team. The nature of this work requires you to be highly organised with strong recording skills; You will need to have the ability to prioritise referrals and manage competing demands simultaneously.
In return, you will receive excellent support in a busy and friendly team. You will be supported with 1:1 supervision, a tailored development plan, regular appraisals, peer supervision groups and learning opportunities to support you with progressing your social care career.
Interested Applicants
For an informal discussion about these positions, please contact Adeana Fletcher, Team Manager - chris.horne@devon.gov.uk
Job Description
What we can offer you
Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer: