Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a CHC Lead (Qualified Social Worker) within a 12 months fixed term contract.

The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge and expertise in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) processes and frameworks. They will be required to attend and actively participate in Decision Support Tool (DST) meetings, ensuring robust representation of social care perspectives. Provide appropriate professional challenges and dispute where required, supporting fair and evidence-based decision-making.  Acting as the consultative resource for social work colleagues they will offer advice and guidance on CHC matters, support best practice and consistency across Adult Social Care in relation to CHC. The postholder will report to the Level 9 CHC Lead and work closely with health and social care partners.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

This is a rewarding and developmental role, ideally for someone looking to build specialist expertise in NHS Continuing Healthcare while contributing to high-quality, person-centred practice.

This is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills, influence decision-making at a strategic level, and play a key role in strengthening integrated working between health and social care. We welcome applications from motivated and experienced social workers who are keen to expand their professional expertise.

To be successful in this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE.

You must have knowledge and experience of Continuing Healthcare (CHC) processes along with current experience of working in the Adult Social Care sector and have the ability to build excellent working relationships with other agencies/professionals at all levels.

You must have knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations, skills in assessment of carers and the ability to provide support and guidance to carers is essential.

You need to have experience of applying the Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005) and managing adult safeguarding enquiries.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.