JOB DESCRIPTION
Department/Division:
Operations
Job Title:
Specialist Social Worker (working within the Deaf /
Hearing impaired community)
Location:
DALES Service, Leeds
Accountable to:
Operations Manager
Overall Purpose of the Job


Under the general direction and control of the Operations Manager to provide a social work service to
adults who are Deaf / hearing impaired or deaf/blind in accordance with the organisation needs, policy
and practices of the department.
The specialist social work service will provide an early and flexible intervention that will focus on
prevention and self-management, enabling individuals to sustain independence through a combination of
assessment, the use of support plans and quality person centred approaches that facilitate opportunities
for people who are deaf to live meaningful and fulfilled lives.
Principal Accountabilities
Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
1.
To enable deaf people with care/support needs to remain living in their own homes and access
mainstream facilities, by the provision of support services and/or equipment that relates to their
assessed need ( via SDAQ) and promotes and maintains independence.
2.
To work in partnership with service users and other individuals e.g. their carers, families, professionals
and voluntary organisations to maximise positive outcomes by ensuring choice and control.
3.
To work within the Social Model of Disability to support adults who are Deaf / hearing impaired to
overcome barriers to inclusion including those with additional needs such as Mental Health, Learning
Disability, Physical Disability or those who are Deaf/Blind.
4.
To maintain a comprehensive caseload with responsibility for case management and to work
autonomously as required. Produce good quality assessments in partnership with service users within
agreed target dates and compile comprehensive budget requests as required by Local Authority
Budget Holders.
5.
Develop innovative plans of support with individuals, carers and relevant professionals which are
directed by individual aspirations with in target dates.
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6.
Plan responses to minimise risks to independence and meet identified needs and monitor and review
outcomes achieved with service users and carers.
7.
To assess risks and devise plans to manage and minimize these risks and review these as required.
8.
Direct users to services as necessary and monitor and review service delivery, to ensure good
standards, working practices and to amend service provision as necessary.
9.
To maintain appropriate and up-to-date records; ongoing contact with service users and professionals
in line with organisation policies and procedures.
10.
Participate in Quality Assurance systems and provide information required by the line manager on a
monthly basis.
11.
To co-work with Leeds City Council Adult Social Care Team to carry out joint safeguarding
investigations and subsequent intervention as required.
12.
To liaise with and advise external social workers, health workers, clinics and all other relevant Council
and Health staff on social work issues relating to Deaf people.
13.
To advocate with and on behalf of Deaf / hearing impaired people for rights and civil liberties.
14.
To keep abreast of changes in legislation, social trends and political influences that impact on and
underpin the service with particular reference to Deaf issues, knowledge and culture. To advise other
voluntary agencies and statutory organisations on these matters as necessary.
15.
To represent BID Services /DALES by attending and/or chairing meetings as required both internally
and externally.
16.
To produce reports for case conferences, case review meetings and Court as required.
17.
To attend and participate positively in team meetings.
18.
To supervise less experienced social workers/DALES staff as determined by the Operations manager,
keeping robust records of practice and raising any issues of concerns.Also ensuring that a record of
practice /professional development is maintained by supervisees.
19.
To maintain a record of practice/professional development as required by HCPC for registration which
can be shared with line manager as required/ in supervisions
20.
To actively participate in promoting the DALES services via presentations, attendance at events etc.
21.
To prepare for and attend supervision sessions with the Operations Manager as appropriate and
accept guidance and advice as necessary.
22.
To provide cover for the work of other social workers in the team as required.
23.
To improve skills and knowledge by participating in personal development as appropriate and attend
appropriate training courses and other events as requested by the [line manager]
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24.
To implement and promote services in accordance with the BID mission statement, advocating the
merits of the organisation in a positive manner at all times.
25.
To work in accordance with organisational policies and practices including Health and Safety and Equal
Opportunities.
26.
Undertake any other duties as may be required within the scope of the post and participate as
necessary in corporate initiatives and projects.
Confirmation of Agreement
I have read, understood and agree, to the above terms and conditions of my job description.
Employee’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________
Social Worker. CFS/HR Updated Sept 2014
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Person Specification Form
Job Title:
Specialist Social Worker (working within the Deaf /
Hearing impaired community)
Location:
DALES Service, Leeds
Department:
Operations
Method of assessment: ‘AF’ = application form, ‘I’ = interview, ‘T’ = test, ‘P’ = presentation and ‘E’ = exercise
Knowledge
Essential
AF/I
AF/I
AF/I
AF/I
AF/I
Understanding of equal opportunity issues
and a willingness to accept and promote the
organisations policy within all aspects of
work undertaken
Of legislation relevant to care management
and social work
Social Work role and responsibilities
Of a diverse range of disabilities
Of mental health, learning disability and
visual disabilities.
Desirable
AF/I
Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance
AF/I
Of Deaf users, culture and community
Skills
Essential
AF/I/T
AF/I
AF/I
AF/I
AF/I/T
Desirable
The ability to accurately carry out
assessments, e-reviews and Support
planning and budget requests and up load
information onto the Local Authority’s data
base.
Ability to manage a diverse and complex
case load
Ability to identify and manage risk
effectively and complete risk Management
plans
Ability to compile reports to a good
standard and maintain accurate records
Familiarity with IT systems including
keyboard skills
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Experience
Essential
Desirable
AF/I
AF/I
Of coordinating / chairing meetings
Of Safeguarding
AF/I
AF
AF/I
Of networking
In a social work setting
Experience of undertaking care
management assessments and Support
packages, of completing written reports to a
good standard
At least 2 year experience practicing as a
social worker
AF/I
AF
AF/I
Of working with Deaf individuals and groups
Of supervising newly qualified or less experienced
staff.
Personal Qualities
Essential
I
I
I
I
Desirable
Ability to work autonomously
Ability to communicate effectively
Sensitive to the needs of those people who
are Deaf / hearing Impaired and deafblind
and in need of accessing services through
Adult Social Care
Able to work effectively under pressure and
meet deadlines
Qualification
Essential
AF
AF
AF
Desirable
Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or
equivalent
HPCP registered or in process of registering
Minimum BSL Level 2 & willingness to
acquire Level 3.
AF
Circumstances
Essential
AF/I
AF/I
I
AF/I
I
Desirable
Able to work flexible hours including
evenings and weekends as dictated by the
needs of the job
Able to travel freely within the area of
operation of Leeds, have a car and a full
Driving License
Ability to understand and observe BID Equal
Opportunities Policy
To carry out all duties having regard to an
employee’s responsibility under the BID
Health and Safety Policies
Willingness to actively participate in
professional and personal training and
development activities to ensure up-to-date
knowledge and skills
Social Worker. CFS/HR Updated Sept 2014
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