Adult Social Care

Career OpportunitiesBrochure 2020

Contents

2

Our Commitment to You

Social Work Career PathwayOccupational Therapy Career PathwayWorking in our Day and Respite Services Career PathwayEmployment Services Reablement Career Pathway Business Support Career Pathway Apprenticeships

Further Information

3

16

456789

101112131415

Our Commitment to You

3

I am pleased to announce the launch of our new Adult Social Care Careers Opportunities Brochure. Developing a workforce that feels connected to and can meet the current and future needs of our residents is really important to our ability to deliver the ambitious outcomes we want to achieve for our residents. We recognise and value that people are our greatest asset – talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. A well-led and well-managed workforce is at the heart of providing high quality social care support. Ensuring that the right workforce, with the right skills and training is in place is fundamental to delivering these objectives. Please take the opportunity to read through the brochure and learn what opportunities you have in developing your career with us. If you are still not sure, pick up the phone or email our new Careers Advice Service and someone will be at hand to support, advise and guide you.

Jennifer McAteer Director Quality, Performance & Standards

Social Work

Tell me more about social work

Social workers work with individuals and families to help them to live better lives. As a social worker, you will work with people to find solutions to their problems. This may be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. An important part of the work is building a professional relationship with the client so that you can work together to make changes.

Who will I be helping?

Social workers work with many client groups including; older people, people with learning disabilities, young offenders, people with mental health problems or physical disabilities, people with alcohol, drug or other substance misuse problems, refugees and asylum seekers and families at risk of breaking down.

What will I do?

Your work will involve visiting clients. This may be in their own home, in a care home, hospital, hostel or prison. You will be assessing their needs, organising support, making referrals to other services and agencies, keeping detailed records and attending meetings.

Who will I work with?

As well as working with clients, their families, and carers - you will work with agencies including the police, other local authority departments, health services, schools and the probation service

How do I become a Social Worker?

To become a qualified Social Worker, you will need to study a three year integrated degree apprenticeship in social work that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

You can start your career in social work with the council as a Social Work Assistant, a newly-qualified Social Worker or Experienced Social Worker (subject to vacancies and satisfactory selection process).

4

Social WorkCareer Pathway

SOCIAL WORKER(newly-qualified)

ASYE - Assessed and Supported Year in EmploymentDuration: 12 months Employer-led programme of support and assessment against the Knowledge and Skills Statement for social workers in adult services.

SOCIAL WORKER(post-probation)

PEPS 1&2: Practice Educator Professional StandardsAimed at qualified and experienced social workers wishing to gain the knowledge and skills to teach, supervise and assess social work students for the practice placement element of their degree. Best Interests Assessor (BIA)BIAs are the lynchpin on which the entire edifice of DoLS rests, and they have a range of duties that fall to them within the operation of the Safeguards. Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)To be eligible to train as an AMHP, you have to be a qualified professional. Eligible professionals are social workers and occupational therapists. Professionals must have at least 2 years post-qualification experience in order to be considered.

MANAGER

Apprenticeship Operations / Departmental Manager (Level 5)Duration: 18 monthsInvolves personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources.

SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT

Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care (Level 3)Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant). Social Work Apprenticeship DegreeDuration: 36 months Working in partnership with adults, children, carers and families in a range of different settings to support and promote positive change in people’s lives in order to improve their wellbeing and independence. This is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).Postgraduate Diploma in Social WorkDuration: 18 months Fast track route for practitioners who already hold a relevant Degree.

HEAD OF SERVICE

Senior Leader Degree (Level 7)Duration: 7 to 24 monthsResponsible for direction and vision, providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They take into account market trends and environmental influences, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks.

Occupational Therapy

Tell me more about Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy, or OT, is a profession that focusses on developing, recovering, or maintaining the daily living and working skills of people with physical, mental, or learning impairments.

Who will I be helping?

Occupational Therapists work with a range of people who need help with practical tasks. These include people with:

• Physical disabilities• Learning disabilities • Mental health problems,

and people who are:

• Recovering from an illness or operation• Getting older

What will I do?

An Occupational Therapist’s job is to help people of all ages to overcome any loss or lack of physical, sensory, mental or communication function. You will visit people and assess what care they need, looking at what they can do as much as what the cannot - as well as their goals. You will write, monitor and evaluate care plans.

Who will I work with?

You will be working alongside health and community colleagues to support people to remain in their own homes and get the care they need.

How do I become an Occupational Therapist?

To work as a Occupational Therapist you must have an degree in Occupational Therapy.

You can start your career in Occupational Therapy at the council as a qualified OT or OT Assistant.

6

Occupational TherapyCareer Pathway

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

MANAGER

HEAD OF SERVICE

Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care (Level 3)Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant). Apprenticeship Healthcare Assistant Practitioner (Level 5)Duration: 18 monthsInvolves personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources. Occupational Therapist (Integrated Degree) ApprenticeshipDuration: 48 monthsWorking with individuals enabling them to participate in meaningful occupations and activities of everyday life. This is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Apprenticeship Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree (Level 7)Duration: 7 to 24 monthsResponsible for direction and vision, providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They take into account market trends and environmental influences, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks.

Apprenticeship Operations/ Departmental Manager (Level 5)Duration: 18 monthsInvolves personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources.

Senior Leader Degree (Level 7)Duration: 7 to 24 monthsResponsible for direction and vision, providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They take into account market trends and environmental influences, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks.

8

Tell me more about Day and Respite Services

There are a range of roles within our Day and Respite Services which are all about supporting people to live independently.

You may work in a residential home, day centre or out in the local community. You will usually have a number of clients that you get to know very well.

You could move into a Senior Support Worker role and take on additional responsibilities which may include supporting and mentoring other members of staff as well as being responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the service.

Who will I be helping?

You’ll usually have a number of individuals that you get to know very well. You could be working with people with a learning or physical disability, dementia, a mental health condition or a frail older person.

What will I do?

You will be supporting individuals with different aspects of everyday living;  personal care, housing, finance, work, education, and social activities.

Working in our Day and Respite Services

You could be supporting people with life skills such as budgeting and cooking. Working with a client and their family to design their own care plan. Providing emotional support and supporting individuals to improve and maintain their own well-being.

Who will I be working with?

You would be working in teams with other professionals such as social workers, occupational therapists, and nurses.

Where do I start?

Once you have your Care Certificate (Standards) you can start looking at other options for career progression. This will depend on your previous experience and qualifications.

Working in our Day and Respite ServicesCareer Pathway

SUPPORT WORKER

Care Certificate (Standards)The Care Certificate is an agreed set of standards that defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sectors. Apprenticeship Adult Care Worker (Level 2)Duration: 12-18 monthsRecognises your ability to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Helps you gain a good knowledge and understanding. Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3)Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant).

SUPERVISOR

Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3)Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant).

TEAM LEADER

Apprenticeship Team Leader Supervisor (Level 3) Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant).

TEAM MANAGER

Apprenticeship Operations/Departmental Manager (Level 5)Duration: 18 monthsInvolves personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources.

REGISTERED MANAGER

Apprenticeship Leader in Adult Care (Level 5)Duration: 18 monthsResponsible for ensuring regulatory compliance of the care given and the values and training of staff with established standards and regulations.

HEAD OF SERVICE

Senior Leader Degree (Level 7)Duration: 7 to 24 monthsResponsible for direction and vision, providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They take into account market trends and environmental influences, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks.

Employment Services - Back2Base

Back 2Base

Back2Base is a service offered by Buckinghamshire Council. We help people with learning difficulties, mental health problems and disabilities find paid employment. We believe that with the right support everyone can have a paid job.

We take time to learn about the individual’s interests, aspirations, experiences and abilities so that we can help them to develop their skills for work.

We adapt our service to suit the client and to accommodate their differing circumstances.

We help to develop their confidence, motivation, soft skills and knowledge, along with their understanding of an employer’s expectations.

We assist with all aspects of seeking and securing a job, but at all times, the emphasis is on encouraging the individual to do as much as they can themselves.

We strive to work with the client and not to do everything for them.

Referral

The majority of our clients are referred by either a social worker or by a mental health worker from the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Mental Health service. Please discuss your interest in Back2Base with your social worker or by a mental health worker.

However, if you do not currently have a social worker or by a mental health worker, please call Back2Base to ask about being referred.

Who to contact

James AlfordService Manager07932 742267back2base@buckinghamshire.gov.ukBuckinghamshire Council

Age ranges

• 18 and upwards• Younger clients may be supported with

agreement

Referral details

For referrals, please contact Back2Base. Referrals made by a social worker or mental health worker that meet the requirements of the Care Act are generally free. Other referrals currently incur a cost.

10

Reablement

Tell me more about Reablement

Reablement gives customers the opportunity and confidence to relearn and regain some of the skills they may have lost because of poor health, disability or after a spell in hospital. All Reablement services have a shared ethos, of working in partnership with the person to determine goals and outcomes that will enable them to live as independently as possible.

Who will I be helping?

Reablement provides personal care to people over the age of 18 living in their own homes. Buckinghamshire Reablement Service provides time-limited support to people. The duration of the support provided can vary from one to two days or up to a maximum of six weeks.

What will I do?

The type of support provided is tailored to our assessment of the individual’s needs but can include:

• Help with personal care• Practical support with preparing meals• Prompting with medication or medication

management• Providing equipment or assistive

technology with help to understand how to use it

• Teaching exercises to help regain mobility, strength and confidence – with support and encouragement to practice the exercises

• Finding practical solutions to problems that may be reducing independence

• Information and advice• Links to support groups• Signposting to other services

Who will I work with?

Qualified and experienced staff will work with the customer within a defined period of time to help them achieve their personal aspirations.

Where do I start?

Once you have your Care Certificate (Standards) you can start looking at other options for careers progression. This will depend on your previous experience and qualifications.

11

ReablementCareer Pathway

Support Worker

Care Certificate (Standards)The Care Certificate is an agreed set of standards that defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in the health and social care sectors. Apprenticeship Adult Care Worker (Level 2)Duration: 12-18 monthsRecognises your ability to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Helps you gain a good knowledge and understanding. Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3)Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant).

teamleader

access & triage coordinator

reviewing officer

assessment coordinator

senior coordinator

Apprenticeship Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3)Duration: 18 monthsFor people who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others (for example a Senior Care Assistant).

Apprenticeship Leader in Adult Care (Level 5)Duration: 18 monthsInvolves personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources.

SERVICE DELIVERY MANAGER

REGISTEREDMANAGER

Senior Leader Degree (Level 7)Duration: 7 to 24 monthsResponsible for direction and vision, providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They take into account market trends and environmental influences, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks.

operationalMANAGER

head of service

Business Support

13

Tell me more about Business Support

Corporate Business Support is a centralised service that provides essential administrative support to business units across the Council.

Who will I be helping?

You will be helping people in our communities to stay safe, independent and live fulfilled lives.

What will I do?

There are a range of roles, from project support officers to specialist administrators. Whether you join at entry-level, have a real passion for an executive or project-based role, or you’re looking to branch out into Social Care, there is a role that is sure to suit you.

Who will I work with?

Depending on the role you will potentially work with Social Workers and other professionals, Directors, Cabinet Members and other business units across the council.

What do I need to do?

You will have many potential opportunities to progress your career and make your way through the business from the ground up. We will give you the training and development you need to excel. There are apprenticeships at every level and for every position. It’s your chance to shine.

Apprenticeships include:

• Business Administration Intermediate (Level 2)

• Business Administrator (Level 3)• Customer Service Practitioner (Level 2)• Customer Service Specialist (Level 3)• Associate Project Manager (Level 4)• Apprenticeship Operations/ Departmental

Manager (Level 5)• Senior Leader Degree (Level 7)

Business SupportCareer Pathway

PROJECT SUPPORT OFFICER

Working closely with project leads, you’ll provide expert advice and proactive support to ensure the successful delivery of projects.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

As a central point of contact, you’ll build working relationships with colleagues at all levels and provide support to the Board of Managing Directors and Cabinet members.

BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Working closely with specialist teams and providing high level support to Council Services, you’ll be a real ‘go-to’ person in this role.

BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER

Playing an active part in developing cross-service customer relationships and improving service delivery, this role will put you well on your way to becoming a specialist administrator.

BUSINESS SUPPORT COORDINATOR

In this managerial role, you’ll identify opportunities for service improvement – motivating and developing your team to deliver high-quality business support for our customers.

BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR

If you’re looking to take your administrative experience further, or to begin a career in Local Government, this is a great starting point.

UNIT COORDINATORSupporting frontline social work professionals, you’ll be a crucial member of the team.

Apprenticeships

15

How will I learn?

With an apprenticeship, most of your learning happens in the workplace. You will be supported by an assessor or tutor who will meet with you regularly to guide you through each module and set assignments for you to work on.

You will upload evidence of your knowledge and practice to an online portfolio. Depending on the apprenticeship, there may be occasional workshops or peer sessions. A minimum of 20% of the apprentice’s paid working hours must be spent on off-the-job training.

Will there be an exam?

Many apprenticeships have an End Point Assessment, and these may include a test or a ‘professional discussion’ where you show your knowledge and skills by talking with an external assessor.

How do I get started?

Decide which apprenticeship is best for you and complete a nomination form. You can complete the nomination form for an apprenticeship throughout the year.

• Level 2 to Level 5 Apprenticeships are rolling programmes and can be started at any time.

• Level 6 Apprenticeships have two start dates, one in October and one in February.

Further Information

16

What are the benefits of this service?

• An opportunity to have a one to one discussion about your career.• Support and guidance for talking through your qualification options.• Discussions around your prior learning to see how we can build on this. • Develop a tailor-made plan in line with your appraisal.

What we can also support with

• Secondment to another role to gain experience in other areas to assist your development. • Upskilling your Maths & English to Level 2 Functional Skills. • Signposting you to our Cooperate Training Team for other Leadership Training.

All courses will be funded via various funding routes, e.g. the Apprenticeship Levy, Bucks Adult Learning and Corporate Training provision.

Other areas we are working on

The Workforce Development Team will be offering new opportunities for learning in adult social care, through the imminent establishment of our new Health and Social Care Academy.

To discuss your options in more detail

Contact us:

• Call 01296 383985• email asctraining@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Current vacancies

To view our current vacancies within Buckinghamshire Council, click here for vacancies.