Social Worker (COS Available) at North London NHS Foundation Trust

Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £42,939 to £50,697 per year
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Closing Date: 18 May 2025
Reference Number: 455-NLFT-0019

Job Summary

The North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Social Worker to join their Eating Disorders Inpatient Unit at St Ann’s Hospital in London. The unit provides a comprehensive and specialist inpatient service to individuals suffering from eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. The position involves working with patients over 18 years of age, assessing their social care needs, and ensuring that appropriate services are in place upon discharge.

As part of the multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that social care needs are identified and incorporated into patient care plans. The role also involves liaising with external service providers to prevent delayed discharges, overseeing discharge planning, and offering expert consultation on the Transforming Care agenda for patients with comorbid learning disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Social Work Assessments and Care Pathways

Conduct triage and comprehensive social work assessments to identify social care needs.
Implement care pathways and ensure the integration of social care needs into the multidisciplinary care plans.
Prepare accurate reports post-assessment to inform quality care decisions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Work collaboratively with clinical teams to ensure the social care needs of patients are met during and after their inpatient stay.
Represent the social work team in case reviews, strategic management meetings, and clinical discussions related to high-risk patients.
Act as a liaison between inpatient and outpatient services to ensure smooth transitions and comprehensive care.

Social Work Interventions and Support

Provide specialist social care consultation for patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams, especially in complex cases involving mental health and eating disorders.
Lead on identifying external social care resources to aid discharge planning, such as care packages, residential support, and community mental health services.
Plan and run therapeutic groups, facilitating support for patients dealing with eating disorders and related psychological challenges.

Risk Management and Safeguarding

Contribute to risk management strategies by evaluating and managing patient and community risks.
Promote and ensure safeguarding practices are adhered to, particularly for vulnerable individuals with learning disabilities or autism.
Act as the safeguarding champion, investigating concerns and liaising with the Trust’s safeguarding team.

Community and Family Liaison

Engage with patients’ families and carers, offering support and guidance on complex social care needs, including housing, benefits, and safeguarding matters.
Prepare Social Circumstances Reports for Mental Health Tribunals and Managers Hearings.
Attend safeguarding meetings and contribute to decision-making regarding levels of risk and appropriate interventions.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications

HCPC Registration: A valid and current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is required.
Social Work Degree: A degree in Social Work or equivalent.
Experience: Proven experience in social work, particularly in inpatient and community settings. Experience working with patients suffering from eating disorders or learning disabilities is highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications

A Master’s in Social Work or similar advanced qualifications.
Experience in the Transforming Care agenda and knowledge of the complications associated with eating disorders.

Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills, particularly in managing complex, sensitive, and potentially distressing information.
Ability to provide consultation to professionals and non-professionals within the healthcare system.
Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups and providing individual therapeutic interventions.
Crisis management skills, including working under pressure and responding to high-risk scenarios effectively.

Experience and Knowledge

Experience of working in community and inpatient settings with individuals across a broad range of mental health issues, including eating disorders.
Facilitating groups and providing training or supervision to other healthcare professionals.
Mental Capacity Act assessments, safeguarding procedures, and complex case management experience are highly beneficial.

About North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT)

NLFT is a progressive healthcare provider that is committed to enhancing mental health services across North London. The Trust focuses on providing high-quality care to local populations, fostering a supportive environment for staff, and promoting collaborative partnerships with local organizations and communities.

NLFT’s Five-Year Strategy:

Deliver high-quality care closer to home for local populations.
Ensure equity of outcomes for all through partnerships within North London and across boroughs.
Provide a great working environment by offering continuous support and professional development opportunities for staff.
Improve organizational effectiveness by embracing research, technology, and continuous quality improvement.

Why Choose NLFT?

Leadership Development: NLFT offers comprehensive leadership programs to develop staff at all levels.
Flexible Working: The Trust supports flexible working arrangements and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
NHS Discounts and Benefits: Enjoy NHS discounts, generous annual leave, and access to the NHS pension scheme.
Supportive Environment: NLFT fosters an inclusive culture where staff are empowered to deliver exceptional care.

Working Environment

The position is based at St Ann’s Hospital, located in London, N15 3TH. The role involves working within an inpatient setting, where you will be part of a dynamic team providing specialist mental health services. You may be required to work across different locations within North London, including Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.

Additional Information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will assess any previous criminal convictions. The post is also covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

The post offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for skilled worker applicants who need a visa to work in the UK. For more details, candidates can refer to the official UK Visas and Immigration website.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply through the official NHS Careers website. Please ensure that all relevant documents, including professional registration details and references, are submitted.

NLFT Values

The ideal candidate will align with the Trust’s core values:

We Are Kind: Treating everyone with care and compassion.
We Are Respectful: Promoting dignity, trust, and respect in all interactions.
We Work Together: Fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment.
We Keep Things Simple: Ensuring clarity and efficiency in all processes.
We Empower: Providing staff with the tools and autonomy to excel.
We Are Proudly Diverse: Embracing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

Apply Today

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified social worker with experience in mental health and social care to make a significant impact on the lives of patients with eating disorders. The role offers the chance to develop your career within a supportive, forward-thinking NHS Trust and work in a vibrant, diverse community.

If you have the necessary qualifications and experience, we encourage you to apply and join North London NHS Foundation Trust in providing outstanding care and support to patients across the region. The application deadline is 18 May 2025.

Apply Here