Senior Social Worker, Wester Ross
NHS Highland
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Applications are invited for the post of Senior Social Worker, Community Care, for Wester Ross. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and qualified social worker to work in a community care context with adults, supporting a small team of dedicated social work staff including social workers, social work assistant practitioners, health and social care co-ordinators and admin staff
We are a small and motivated Team that work hard to support adults with care needs in an area that stretches from Ullapool in the North to Lochcarron in the South. Good Team working skills are essential as we work closely to support each other in meeting the diverse range of challenges we face over a large geographical area
The Teams responsibilities include working with older adults, adults with learning disabilities, autism and those in transition from Children’s services
The post holder carries responsibility for supporting the delivery of Social Work Services for adults aged 16 and above throughout Wester Ross and will provide professional leadership as delegated by the Team Manager to the social work team. The post holder is responsible for contributing to safe and effective social work practice including overseeing that relevant statutory duties are fulfilled, as delegated by the Chief Social Work Officer. Such duties should be undertaken while enhancing the supported person’s experience of care and statutory support.
Duties will include:
Providing professional guidance and support to the social work team in Wester Ross alongside and at times deputising for the Team Manager, including professional supervision of the social work team
Acting as Nominated Officer in Adult Support and Protection enquiries and Investigations
Chairing Adults with Incapacity case conferences and other roles in respect of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland ) Act 2000
Managing a caseload with a weighting on more complex cases
Working as part multi-disciplinary service which supports adults living within a large remote and rural geographical area with the potential challenges this can present.
Working and liaising with communities to support awareness and delivery of services
The Wester Ross Team also works closely in conjunction with the adult social care social work team in Skye and the postholder will be expected to provide cover for the equivalent role in Skye on occasion
Flexible working is encouraged. Help may be available with accommodation and a relocation package may also be available
Due to the rural nature of the area a driving licence is essential, and applicants should have access to their own vehicle for work purposes. Access to a pool car may also be possible when available
Applicants should be registered with the Scottish Social Services council on the ‘Social worker’ part of the register or eligible to be so registered. You should hold a qualification that is recognised by the SSSC as being equivalent to the Diploma in social work (DipSW) and have the relevant skills and experience to take on a leadership role.
for any informal enquiries please contact
Ian Downie, Social Work Team Manager, Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross
Tel. 01471 820501 ian.downie1@nhs.scot
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
- Effective from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reduced from 37 to 36 hours. Part-time hours will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis. There will be an increase in the hourly rate to ensure that pay remains unaffected.
- Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. / Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd‑labhairt na Gàidhlig.
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NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.
We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.
Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.