Community Care Officer (Social Work)

The Maximising Independence Service (MIS) is a new service area in the adult social care department which is focused on early resolution, prevention and promoting independence and wellbeing. 

The aim of the service is to help people to maximise their independence as much as possible by providing information, advice and guidance, setting short-term goals and identifying support to achieve those goals.  This could include: 

• Enablement 
• Reablement 
• Benefits advice 
• Signposting to community support 
• Equipment and minor adaptations 
• Carers support and advice 
• Routine moving and handling reviews (Single Handed Care) 
• Support from i-work 
• Blue badge eligibility 

The Maximising Independence Service will also work with other providers to support people to increase their independence and wellbeing.

The main objectives of the service are to:

• Support people to increase their independence and confidence 
• Ensure people have access to the right information and are getting the right support at the right time 
• Increase the number of people accessing prevention, enablement and reablement services   
• Support people to return home from hospital without delay and avoid readmission 
• Prevent, delay or reduce ongoing care and support 

This will be done by: 

• Having a strengths-based, therapy-led approach  
• Delivering an efficient, effective and timely service with minimal hand-offs  
• Aligning with partner organisations to avoid or reduce duplication 

You will be responsible for the early resolution of new referrals coming into the Maximising Independence Service (MIS) ensuring that people have access to the right information and support at the right time. You will work alongside other Community Care Officers, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers to achieve the best outcomes for people, using a strength-based approach to promote independence at every opportunity. Forming positive links with colleagues in the Living and Aging Well teams will be important when managing internal referrals aimed at supporting people to increase independence and regain skills and confidence to achieve outcomes .You will be responsible for both assessment and support planning which meets outcomes in line with NCC’s Adult Social Care Strategy and you will work with individuals to assess and review their needs and agree how you will meet their outcomes. You will identify community resources and support services to ensure that everyone you work with is supported to maximise their independence and manage their own needs where possible, working closely with local providers and support networks to achieve positive outcomes.

An understanding of relevant Adult Social Care legislation is required, including the Mental Capacity Act and you will support the work of safeguarding officers and managers during safeguarding enquiries. The preferred candidate will have at least two years’ experience of work in social care either paid or voluntary and will have a relevant health/social care qualification to NVQ level 3 or equivalent, or evidence of required skills and experience.

You will receive regular formal and informal supervision and there is an expectation to complete mandatory training to further develop good practice and encourage career progression. The ability to drive and have the use of a car for work is essential.