Have got an interview after being out of social work for a couple of years. Have a total of four years post qualifying experience but have never worked in a community mental health team, have worked in generic adult team and also voluntarty experience with Mind but feel a bit out of the loop. Would appreciate any tips and hints. Many thanks
I work in one of these teams. You have a good background coming from adult team but make sure you're up to date on personalisation/personal budgets/direct payments etc.
Regarding mental health specific stuff, I can't overemphasise the importance of the Mental Capacity Act enough. Make sure you are familiar with it and have at least a conversational awareness of issues of DoLs and when the MHA would be used in relation to older people and their specific needs.
Look at the Alzheimer's Society site - they have some good resources about dementias.
Think through a few scenarios particularly about working with people who may need support but are not engaging and (and lack capacity) and ways you might work with them. Happy to answer questions via DM if you have anything more specific.