Lead Social Worker - London - ref. f75082015
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust has a rich history, well-established community links and an international reputation. We provide a full range of local mental health services to the Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth London boroughs, as well as specialist forensic mental health services, including specialised services such as national deaf adults and CAMHS inpatients and OCD.
We are committed to providing high quality integrated health and social care for local people with mental health problems in South West London and more specialist mental health services for people throughout the UK. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ however we aim to be ‘outstanding’.
Our Values
We take pride in providing specialist care to our service users where our Trust values; being consistent, compassionate, collaborative, respectful and open is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is "making life better together".
When you join us, you’ll be part of something special – an innovative and rapidly growing organisation that is helping to redefine the Mental Health, education and social care landscape in the UK.
As a Trust, we are happy to talk flexible working.
Job overview
We are excited to be able to offer an experienced, independent, innovative individual with the skills, enthusiasm and vision, an opportunity to become the Lead Social Worker for the Forensic Mental Health Service at South-West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust – at the Shaftesbury Clinic based at Springfield Hospital.
The Forensic service provides short- and long-term hospital admissions to both males / female patients suffering from severe and enduring mental health problems such as psychotic illness, bipolar affective disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.We provide admission under the Mental Health Act within levels medium security which is generally agreed with the referring team, court and Ministry of Justice.
The lead forensic social worker works as part of the MDT on Ruby Ward, which is a 10 bedded female medium secure unit, providing social work intervention within an inpatient setting
Main duties of the job
This is a pivotal role in supporting to undertake comprehensive assessments, compiling detailed social histories, leading on Safeguarding Adults and Children within the multidisciplinary team, planning for patient’s discharges and will carry out statutory responsibilities of reporting upon patients’ social circumstance in relation to mental health tribunals, CPA, and the hospital managers hearings.You would also be expected to make referrals to MAPPA for patients who are eligible. In addition to this you will provide supervisory responsibilities to the social workers, and supporting the social workers with their development, as well as undertaking managerial duties required for this role and those required for the service.
The post requires significant experience of social work and the concomitant to relevant areas of practice, theory, policy and legislation. Social workers are often called upon to provide clarity and direction in sensitive and complex situations.
Working for our organisation
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world.More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To provide leadership for social work across the forensic services, providing direct supervision and social work management for forensic social workers
To provide social work services for patients on Ruby Ward and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in a professional role as social worker.
To provide leadership for safeguarding issues and liaising with the clients relevant local safeguarding teams as necessary.
To lead on the MCA 2005, the MHA 1983 and the Care Act 2014 as appropriate to client needs.
To be involved in providing assessment, treatment, consultation and supervision. Detailed assessments of clients and providing support and advice on complex cases.
Taking responsibility for the social care and social work elements of practice and innovations for the forensic service.
To liaise clearly and collaboratively with the services multi-disciplinary team and with external teams and providers as required.
To join colleagues in assessment and planning meetings both for the inpatient services and community services.
To lead on funding applications to the Local Authority and CCG- Placements/ Local Authority Housing Departments
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria- Recognised UK social work qualification e.g. Social Work Degree, CQSW, CSS or Dip SW or recognised international equivalent and current eligibility for registration with the GSCC
- Post qualifying training (whether gained formally and accredited or through evidenced on-the-job training) in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
- Further relevant training e.g. group work, family therapy
- Approved Social Worker/AMHP or willing to undergo training as an AMHP
Experience
Essential criteria- Post qualifying experience as a social worker. Experience of working autonomously within a multi-disciplinary environment
- Experience of working with people with complex mental health needs.
- Experience of working in an inpatient mental health setting
- Experience of working with service users in forensic services
- Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis
- Demonstrate experience or skills to develop a positive leadership for social work profession in a MDT setting, as well as across wider Trust
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria- Specialist knowledge of social work practice in severe and enduring mental illness and/or forensic setting
- Knowledge and understanding of current mental health legislation and associated guidance
- Knowledge of counselling skills, group skills, cognitive skills, and behavioural skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels in both Social Services and Health
- Demonstrate strength of experience in risk assessment & management
- Specialist clinical skills in relation to engaging with people with mental disorder who have committed an offense
- Teaching skills including training others
We are Members of Stonewall Diversity Champions and Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.
As part of the Trust's commitment to Equalities and Diversity, the Trust supports the establishment of Staff Networks groups to promote diversity in the workplace:
- BME (Evolve) Staff Network
- Christian Staff Network
- DiverseAbility
- Deaf Staff Network
- Mental Health Staff Forum
- Women's Staff Network
- LGBTQIA+
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
We provide reasonable adjustments to the interview process for any candidates with a disability.
Please note:
- That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received
- That once you have submitted your application you agree to your application being transferred to a 3^rd party e-recruitment system
- That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not successful
- That priority consideration for applications may be given to at-risk NHS employees
- That should you be successful and appointed, you authorise South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust to confirm your previous NHS service via an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process
- That your employment is offered subject to successful completion of a Probationary Period depending on your Band (except medical roles)
- That we are a smoke-free Trust