Assistant Practitioner

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To work with the person and other professionals as necessary in order to facilitate the stated

functions. This includes the undertaking of duty activities and proportionate assessments,

safeguarding initial contacts and investigation, the onward referral to community teams for support

provision as well as signposting and the provision of information and advice. Responsible to the

Team Manager and Senior Practitioners. To ensure that all related administrative functions are

undertaken.

Provision of practical assistance in terms of the provision of disability equipment and home

adaptions to clients with a physical and/ or learning disability in order to maintain their maximum

independence within the community.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsibilities

1. Engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice.

Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to

the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within

multi-agency and inter-professional settings.

2. To be responsible for the day to day interpretation and implementation of

statutory and departmental policy in the provision of casework and, if

appropriate group work or other social work service, to individuals, families

and other groups.

3. Undertake trusted assessment/provision functions to promote

independence and, where appropriate, offer access to standard

equipment, which may involve the issuing of an equipment prescription (for

redemption via a retail outlet) and delivery/fitting.

4. Use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and

communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm,

neglect and abuse.

5. Ensure those accessing the service, including families and carers, are at

the centre of decision making over their support arrangements and that

opportunities for choice and control are optimised and reflected in their

assessments and reviews.

6. Maintain the Directorates records by recording assessments and other

data accordingly ensuring that all data entered meets the relevant and

stated levels of accuracy, quality and timeliness required.

7. To communicate effectively and sensitively with people and carers,

regardless of their spoken language or communication status. Adapt

communication techniques as the situation demands making best use of

Directorate informational resources and other methods of communication.

8. To assess the implications of change on people and to proactively

advocate for personalisation and peoples choice and control over their

own support needs.

9. Ensure value for money principles are applied in all areas of service

delivery in consultation with supervisor, manager and partner agencies

10. To recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive

principles. To challenge appropriately when discrimination is in evidence.

11. To work across agencies and professional boundaries to ensure a whole

systems approach to assessment and assisting people to manage their

ongoing support needs.

12. To ensure that any information or signposting is clear and consistent with

policy and to be shared with person in need and family members as

appropriate. To be able to proactively engage the person with what the

next steps are on the customer journey.

JOB CONTEXT

This post is in the Community Support Service. The post reports directly to

the Team Manager and is a member of the social work team responsible for

delivering the ongoing support and review function for the people of

Southwark. This role will work across Complex Support, Support Planning

and Reviews as directed.

The post holder will be expected to expand their specialist knowledge and skill

relating to:

• Safeguarding
• Resources and procedures
• Identification of continuing healthcare needs
• Identification of Mental Capacity, Safeguarding, DOLS and complex family issues

Southwark council is committed to supporting vulnerable adults to achieve

independence and social inclusion via personal budgets, self-directed support,

and provision of suitable accommodation. The post holder is expected to

provide a proactive approach which encompasses these goals and sets out to

achieve these aims.

The post holder will be responsible to the Team Manager, they will seek advice

where referrals involve policy decisions, or where the post holder requires

support with complex problems.

The post holder has no formal supervisory responsibility but will offer guidance

to new members of staff joining the service.

Financial Responsibilities

The post holder will not be a budget-holder but must have an awareness of the

need to work within a tightly controlled budget.