Social Worker; Substance Misuse

Your new role

There are exciting changes within substance misuse recovery services. We are expanding our provision to improve capacity and quality which this post will be part of and co-located with new mental health practitioner posts, in a multi-disciplinary team based within the Recovery Hub in Southsea. This team will directly support those individuals or families accessing the Recovery Hub with multiple needs, as well as working alongside the Recovery Workers, providing advice and guidance.

We are looking for an experienced Social Worker, who has completed the ASYE, to assess the needs of adults with problematic substance use, then identify creative ways to meet their assessed outcomes under the Care Act 2014. The role includes outcome led interventions, using a strength-based approach to support people to live their lives. You will work collaboratively with others, maintaining a strength based and aspirational approach to achieve the outcomes the person wants.

You will be assessing clients' needs and agreeing a person-centred support plan, completing reviews of assessments and support plans as required. You will be supporting people with all their health, mental health and social care needs in a recovery focused way, promoting independence. Working with a wide range of services and agencies, you will be supporting both crisis management and mental capacity when required.

You will have extensive experience of supervising staff and be responsible for managing your caseload. In addition, you will chair or support other staff to chair multi-agency risk management meetings. There will be the opportunity to offer informal advice and guidance to unqualified staff.

You will be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE. You will have experience of working with adults ideally in a fieldwork setting, within the sphere of safeguarding adults, whilst some experience of working within substance misuse services would be desirable. With a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the legislative frameworks that underpin practice, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, you will have robust, comprehensive skills in risk management and the ability to assess, plan and record sensitive information and data.

The role requires an individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who is able to work creatively with a diverse range of people, sometimes under challenging circumstances. You will be advocating for individuals and carers using a problem-solving approach and possess good assessment skills. The ability to negotiate, work creatively and flexibly with an aptitude for innovative decision making is needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

You will be able to work autonomously and be responsible for managing your own caseload and deadlines whilst maintaining case records.

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours .

We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.