Social Worker / Mental Health Officer - DGA10738

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Social Worker/Mental Health Officer (13/1197)

 Stranraer/Newton Stewart (of which, can be agreed prior to appointment)

£44,187 - £47,643

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a social worker/mental health officer to join the Mental Health Social Work Team in Dumfries and Galloway. The mental health team is regional in nature and offers social work care management and mental health officer duties throughout the region. This post offers an opportunity to contribute to service delivery and development within adult social work, by joining a committed and supportive team that prioritises social work values and is passionate about positive outcomes for individuals accessing social work services.

This post is for a qualified social worker, the successful candidate will hold a DipSW/CQSW/CSS qualification and will be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council. Mental Health Officer accreditation is desirable but not essential. Appointment at band 11 will require a mental health officer qualification and recent experience of MHO work is essential. Appointment to this post at band 10 will be as a qualified social worker, with a minimum of two years post qualifying experience. The successful applicant will, if required, be supported in the coming academic year to study with University of Edinburgh’s for the post qualifying award in Advanced Social Work Studies (Mental Health Officer Award) (PgCert). On successful completion of the course, and appointment as a mental health officer, the candidate will move to band 11. This post would be the ideal opportunity for a social worker looking to develop in the area of mental health social work.

As a social worker/mental health officer, you will be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of Self-Directed Support and understanding of relevant legislation in particular, the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. Experience of working in a health or social services setting is essential. You will have the ability to effectively manage a busy caseload, working to timescales and managing competing demands. You will have excellent written, IT and verbal communication skills and demonstrate skills and experience in assessment. You will be highly motivated, innovative, and flexible in your approach, as well as being clear and concise in both your written and verbal communication. You must have a genuine interest in working with people in a recovery focussed way to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post and you will be expected to use Dumfries and Galloway Pool cars for any travelling required.  However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.  From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

For further information please contact:  Sharon Culross, Team Manager, on