Job info	Job info details
Job title	Experienced Social Care Assessor
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Operational Division
Business unit	Adult Social Care
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Team Manager
Accountable to (line manager)	Team Manager
Salary grade	Career Grade G - H
JE ref	ASC064

1. Key purpose of job

• The Social Care Assessor will be a core member of Adult Social Care and contribute to the effective review of care packages and provision of services to working age adults in the area of Torbay.
• To undertake holistic social care assessments and reviews of outstanding care packages, in partnership with service users, families and carers and prepare care plans.
• To commission services to ensure the most beneficial and cost-effective care packages are established, delivered, monitored and reviewed, and comply with all statutory requirements, standards, policies and guidelines.
• Working to models of best practice and actively promoting independence for adults and older people in Torbay.
• The post holder undertakes assessment, care planning and review activity within defined delegated responsibilities. 

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

• Effective partnership working improving outcomes for adults and older people. 
• Provide a service that is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and to understand what they need and be adaptable and responsive.
• To practice social care which is informed by the following principles:          
  • Provide a service that is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and to understand what our patients/clients need and be adaptable and responsive. 
  • People probably know best what they need. 
  • People are not defined by their difficulties. 
  • People have a right to live without fear or harm. 
  • Provide a high quality customer service which complies with relevant legislation. 
  • Be honest and learn from mistakes, and help to create a “no-blame” culture were people feel able to share and learn from experiences together. 
  • Work as part of a team demonstrating effective communication, and working collaboratively with colleagues inside and out of the department. 
  • Acknowledge that you need to continually deliver greater value to customers. 
  • Be honest about your biggest challenges and create a culture of curiosity and openness. 
  • Help to develop and foster a learning environment where feedback is welcomed and valued. 

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

• As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Leads for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive, Director of Adults and Communities and Director of Children’s Services.
• The post holder will undertake delegated adult social care assessments and review activity in line with the Care Act 2014 and organisational procedures. This includes gathering information, engaging with individuals, families and carers, and contributing to the assessment of needs and outcomes.
• The post holder will develop, implement and review of care and support plans in partnership with individuals, families and carers, ensuring that plans are strengths‑based, outcomes‑focused and proportionate, and reflect assessed needs, available resources and organisational policy.
• The post holder will commission and review services within delegated authority, ensuring that arrangements remain appropriate, cost‑effective and responsive to changing needs, and escalating concerns, high‑cost packages or exceptions in line with agreed procedures.
• The post holder will identify, respond to and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with organisational policy and procedures, contributing to safeguarding enquiries as directed. The post holder will not ordinarily act as the lead practitioner for safeguarding enquiries unless formally delegated to do so.
• The post holder will support Mental Capacity Act 2005 processes by gathering relevant information, observing and recording decision‑specific indicators of capacity, and supporting the implementation of best‑interest decisions. Responsibility for formal capacity assessments and complex best‑interest decision‑making rests with a Social Worker.
• The post holder will recognise increasing risk, complexity or uncertainty in practice and will seek guidance through supervision or management in a timely manner, recognising the limits of their delegated authority.
• The post holder will maintain accurate, timely and factual records of assessment, planning, review and decision‑making activity, in line with organisational requirements and information governance standards.
• The post holder will work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency team, contributing to effective communication, coordinated working and timely responses, including in relation to hospital discharge and community‑based support.
• The post holder will actively engage in supervision, learning and reflective practice, contributing to continuous improvement and the delivery of safe, effective and person‑centred adult social care services.
• Provide information, advice and signposting to individuals and carers in relation to community resources, preventative services and other sources of support.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

• The post holder will work within delegated financial and commissioning authority (scheme of delegation), contributing to the arrangement, review and monitoring of care and support services to ensure that they remain appropriate, proportionate and cost‑effective.
• The post holder will ensure that individuals are referred for financial assessment where required and are kept informed of any financial implications associated with the provision of services, in line with organisational procedures.
• The post holder will recognise high‑cost, high‑risk or exceptional support arrangements and will escalate these for appropriate authorisation in accordance with delegated decision‑making and governance arrangements.
• The post holder will be accountable for the responsible use of allocated equipment and resources in the course of their duties. 

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

• The post holder will actively engage in regular supervision and reflective practice with their line manager or supervising practitioner, using supervision as a key mechanism for support, development, risk management and assurance. 

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

• Requirement to visit people in community settings, including lone working, visiting clients on their own homes where poor environment and home conditions can be a factor. This may include a level of risk or challenge.
• Requirement to visit people in more secure settings such as residential/nursing homes or supported living settings. 

7. Physical demands of the post

• Normal physical demands. 

8. Specific resources used by the post

• Normal agile working and office equipment.
• Use of own vehicle
• You may be required to carry/transport professional equipment.  

9. Key contacts and relationships

External: 

• ​​Colleagues in Partnership Agencies including, health, police, education providers and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector/ Engage with regulatory bodies including Social Work England and the Care Quality Commission. Court staff. Young people, older adults and parents/carers.​ 

Internal: 

• ​​Colleagues in all adult services teams, all other Council departments and Council members.​ 

10. Other duties

• To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job. 

Other Information

• All staff must commit to the Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Policy.
• Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
• The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. And are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Children’s Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council.
• This post is office based at Union House Torquay, or at Kings Ash Paignton but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
• As this post meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check (Disclosure) from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.  This will include details of ALL cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, whether “spent” or “unspent”. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post.
• The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement. 
• The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
• The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
• The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
• If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party).
• If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Experienced Social Care Assessor
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Operational Division
Business unit	Adult Social Care

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

• Ability to carry out assessments, plan and deliver needs-based packages of support, balancing risk and protective factors. 
• Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with adults, families and carers, and to communicate effectively with people who may be experiencing distress, uncertainty or change. 
• Ability to gather information, listen carefully and contribute to assessments and reviews in a thoughtful and organised way. 
• Ability to work within clear guidance and delegated responsibilities, recognising when to seek advice, supervision or support. 
• Ability to identify concerns, risks or safeguarding issues and take appropriate action by following agreed procedures. 
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise a varied workload, in order to meet agreed timescales.
• Ability to use IT confidently, including standard office software and electronic record systems, with good keyboard skills and attention to accuracy. 
• Ability to produce clear, concise and factual written records using digital systems. 
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and with other organisations, showing respect for different roles and perspectives. 
• Ability to reflect on own practice, learn from feedback and demonstrate a willingness to develop new knowledge and skills. 
• Ability to work in line with organisational values, including respect for diversity, dignity, equality and human rights. 
• Ability to adapt to change and work flexibly to meet the needs of individuals and the service.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 

Desirable skills and effectiveness

• Good presentation skills. 

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

• A good understanding of working within adult social care. 
• Self-awareness of own strengths and limitations. 
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014, social care legislation, policy and procedures. 
• Knowledge of assessment frameworks. 
• Understanding of basic human needs, emotional social and physical. 

Desirable knowledge

• Awareness of adult social care and the role it plays in supporting people to live independently and safely in their communities. 
• Understanding of strengths‑based and outcome‑focused approaches to working with adults and carers. 
• Basic understanding of safeguarding adults and how organisations respond to concerns. 
• Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the importance of supporting people to make their own decisions where possible. 
• Awareness of the Care Act 2014 and how it shapes assessment, care planning and support arrangements. 
• Understanding of how different organisations, such as health services, housing providers and voluntary or community groups, work together to support people. 
• Awareness of the importance of accurate record‑keeping, confidentiality and information sharing. 

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

• Experience or good understanding of working within adult social care. 
• Experience of working with adults and older people with complex needs and vulnerabilities. 

Desirable experience and achievements

• Experience in undertaking holistic social care assessments and in setting up and reviewing care packages to meet people’s assessed needs. 
• Experience in working within Adult Social Care setting. 

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

• NVQ level 3 or recent experience in an NHS Band 5 post (or equivalent). 
• Evidence of consistent pattern of learning from education, training and experience. GCSE passes at Grade C or above or equivalent. 

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

• Training in the protection of vulnerable adults. 
• Commitment and dedication to social care professional development. 
• Willingness to undertake training to develop within the role. 

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. 
• Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay/South West/UK in order to carry out duties. 
• Ability to accommodate unsociable hours. 
• Ability to accommodate occasional/permanent home-working.