Job Introduction
Starting salary for this role is £30,518 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)
This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.
Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.
An exciting opportunity have arisen to join our busy team within the ASC Hub, where Adult Social Care queries and referrals are received and processed, usually via telephone and email.
For an informal discussion please contact Donna Jeffries 01202 123910.
Applicants to this post will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
Role Purpose
Contact Officers act as the first point of contact made from members of the public and internal and external professionals. They receive enquiries and information from a wide range of people, providing appropriate advice and information, supporting statutory referrals, initiating assessment processes as well as recording details of new referrals for Adult Social Care onto the system that need be allocated to teams within the Service Unit.
Enabling Adult Social Care Teams to carry out work effectively and efficiently by collecting correct information from referrers, recording this data appropriately.
This will include gatekeeping all referrals to services via agreed protocols.Ensuring that callers whose needs following an initial assessment appear to fall outside current criteria are given useful and relevant information to enable them to gain the knowledge required in order to have choices over the services and activities they wish to pursue to maintain their independence.
This will also include signposting members of the public to the web-based directory of services.To receive referral information from members of the public and colleagues in other agencies, and to record this accurately on the appropriate system and forward when needed
To signpost or refer people to other agencies where their services are considered to be more appropriate than those provided by Adult Social Care and Primary Mental Health
Provide advice and information as appropriate, including eligibility for a range of services including (not exhaustive) accessing welfare benefits, community based and voluntary activities, debt counselling and housing. This will include signposting people to the web based directory of services.
Contribute towards maintaining up to date information on the web-based resources for use by Adult Social Care services, other professionals and members of the public.
To be the first point of access for the police, mental health professionals, GP’s and other professionals to request mental health act assessments, safeguarding alerts and queries. Record activity and input accurate data to the required standard and keep data up to date as required by Unit policies and procedures. This will include keeping out of hours services informed if an Approved Mental Health professional is still working after normal working hours.
Alerting the AMHP HUB or relevant manager of any risk information relevant to a Mental Health Act Assessment before an Approved Mental Health Practitioner undertakes this.
To attend regular supervision and training required by the service.
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Councils statutory functions in regards to the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act and Safeguarding Adults Legislation.
Follow all relevant BCP Council and Unit policies and procedures.
Main Responsibilities
To be the first point of contact for professionals, and the general public requiring information or services. Ensuring that people contacting the Contact Centre receive a timely, courteous and helpful response.
Administer the Crisis advice scheme in line with Local authority policy and guidance Support the triaging process for safeguarding of vulnerable adults.
Support the statutory work undertaken by the Approved Mental Health Team.Initiate the assessment process of adults requiring services
A REQUIREMENT OF THIS ROLE WILL BE ALL STAFF WILL BE REQUIRED TO COVER CORE HOURS OF 8-30AM TO 5.15PM MONDAY – THURSDAY AND UNTIL 4.30 PM ON A FRIDAY TO COVER ALL AREAS OF WORK
Comply with all decisions, policies and standing orders of the Council and any relevant statutory requirements, including Equal Opportunities legislation, the Health and Safety at Work Act and GDPR.
The Ideal Candidate
Recent work experience in social care or similar field, involving direct contact with members of the public and hospital environment
Experience in working as part of a team liaising with health and social care professionals
GCSE (or equivalent) in English
Good communication and negotiation skills
Ability to keep efficient written records of work doneAbility to organise and prioritise work and meet deadlines
Computer literacy in Microsoft Outlook and Word
Ability to relate to wide range of people
Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team
Ability to manage tasks effectively on own initiative
Awareness of social, legal, and political context within which social care services are delivered
Flexible and adaptable approach to working arrangements
Willing to undertake training and an interest in developing own skills and contributing to development of those of other staff
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.
We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.
It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP
DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Role Profile for more details
Attached documents
