Senior Specialist Renal Social Worker

Job overview

The postholder will use exemplary social work knowledge and practice and be committed to undertake person centred work with individuals and families focussing on their strengths, interests and assets in accordance with the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act (2014).

The postholder will be educated to a degree level with a qualification in social work. As part of a multidisciplinary team you will lead on the understanding and knowledge of the role of social work within Nephrology and Transplant Services.

To provide a highly specialised social work service underpinned by theory and experience, which includes assessment and psychosocial interventions with renal patients and their families. The service covers a large geographical area in addition to designated wards, outpatient’s clinics, transplant clinics and dialysis units.

This role will design, lead and deliver programmes designed to reduce the psychological impact of renal treatments and to promote adjustments, post treatments.

The post holder will strategically lead and collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team, other health boards, national working groups and third sector parties bringing renal patients perspectives to the discussions and act as an advocate and source of support for renal patients throughout North East Wales.

Main duties of the job

To be a champion of social care with comprehensive understanding of legislation and statutory guidance.

To offer skilled and up to date professional advice and guidance to the renal community.

To undertake complex assessments and review, for people who may be high risk.

To undertake such reviews as part of an integrated assessment of people’s health and social needs particularly those with significant interpersonal, social, legal and/or environmental complexities.

To ensure that commissioned services allow choice to service users and carers, and focus on people living in the community with appropriate support and access to universal services.

To undertake regular risk assessments and ensure that vulnerable people are kept safe.

To promote safeguarding practice in line with policy and, as appropriate, in safeguarding investigations.

To advise colleagues about best practice in undertaking assessments of carers needs, including identifying contingency plans, and provision of support if appropriate.

To be skilled in partnership working and identify, develop and facilitate a wide range of recovery focused community services and ensure that colleagues within the region are aware of developments and best practice.

To ensure that service users and carers are involved so that we can learn from experiences and impact of our service delivery, and make improvements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Be responsible for the development of evidence-based policies, procedures and protocols for the ward/clinical area ensuring that they meet national, local and professional criteria, gaining BCUHB approval/ratification prior to use where appropriate.

Act with autonomy, authority and integrity to make decisions within an agreed professional and managerial structure, seeking advice as appropriate.

Promote multidisciplinary working, with outcomes aimed at achieving the best interests of patients through cohesive service delivery.

Provide  open and honest  feedback to the team on standards of nursing care provided to, and experienced by, patients and service and communicate and implement agreed improvement actions / learning in a timely fashion.

Lead in the investigation of clinical incidents, complaints and support any serious untoward incidents using root cause analysis methodologies. Ensure action plans and findings are fully implemented in a timely manner and recommendations are incorporated into practice.

With support from Human Resources take necessary steps to effectively and fairly manage any individuals in the team whose performance falls below expected standards where appropriate