Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £54,320 to £60,981 per annum pro rata (Inclusive of Inner London HCAS)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part-time
Certificate of Sponsorship: Available
Application Deadline: 01 June 2025
Join a Leading Mental Health Trust as a Social Worker in London
Are you a dedicated social worker looking to make a meaningful impact in forensic mental health? The South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust invites applications for an exciting opportunity to join their newly formed Forensic Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (FIND) Community Team. This role offers Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), making it ideal for international candidates seeking skilled worker visa sponsorship in the UK.
If you are passionate about working with complex mental health cases, learning disabilities, and neurodevelopmental disorders, and want to be part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team, this could be your perfect next career step.
About South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) is renowned for its commitment to high-quality mental health care. With a proud history and a mission to Make Life Better Together, SWLSTG delivers services rated as “Good” by the Care Quality Commission, with a clear goal of achieving “Outstanding.”
The Trust is transforming mental health care by investing over £120 million to develop state-of-the-art facilities, including brand new wards at Springfield University Hospital. SWLSTG values diversity, inclusion, and community co-production, fostering a supportive work environment that encourages career growth and personal development.
Why Work as a Social Worker at SWLSTG?
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Competitive Salary: £54,320 to £60,981 pro rata, inclusive of Inner London High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS).
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Flexible Working: Agile, part-time working arrangements with options for flexible schedules.
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Career Development: Access to professional growth, leadership opportunities, and continuous learning.
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Supportive Environment: Work within a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration and innovation.
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Visa Sponsorship: Skilled worker Certificate of Sponsorship available, supporting international social workers to join the UK workforce.
Key Responsibilities of the Social Worker Role
As a senior social worker within the FIND Team, you will provide expert social work input supporting individuals with mental illness, offending histories, learning disabilities, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Your role will be crucial in ensuring smooth transitions from inpatient forensic settings to community care.
Your main duties will include:
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Delivering specialist assessment, treatment, and consultation services for patients referred to the Forensic Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (FIND) Team.
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Taking direct management responsibility for registered and non-registered staff within the team.
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Leading the planning, setup, and ongoing development of the Community Forensic Learning Disability/Autism Spectrum Disorder (LD/ASD) Service.
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Offering expertise on the complex needs of women with learning disabilities discharged from forensic services, particularly within community settings.
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Managing a specialist caseload, including care coordination and social supervision of service users and their carers.
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Acting as a key contact for Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings and discharge planning to ensure timely, safe, and appropriate transitions.
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Monitoring and reviewing patients placed in medium to low secure settings, including those out of area, to facilitate recovery-focused, least restrictive care pathways.
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Conducting comprehensive health and social care needs assessments, collaborating with healthcare providers, placement teams, and other stakeholders.
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Developing and supporting step-down pathways with personalized packages of care that build on patients’ strengths.
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Coordinating transfers with community care coordinators and local health and commissioning teams for patients moving out of borough services.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
To excel in this role, you should possess:
Experience:
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Post-qualification experience as a social worker within a multi-disciplinary mental health environment.
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Proven ability to work autonomously, managing complex cases involving severe mental illness.
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Experience supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities (LD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
Qualifications:
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A relevant professional social work qualification (degree or master’s level preferred).
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Current registration with Social Work England.
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Desirable: Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) training and Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification.
Knowledge & Skills:
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In-depth knowledge of social work practice related to severe and enduring mental illness and forensic settings.
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Strong understanding of mental health legislation, safeguarding, and relevant statutory frameworks.
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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage effectively across health and social care sectors.
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Ability to work independently as a senior professional within a multidisciplinary team.
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Desirable: Clinical skills for engaging offenders with mental health conditions and experience in teaching/training others.
Desirable Additional Experience
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Working with adults experiencing substance misuse or dual diagnosis.
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Previous roles within forensic mental health services.
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Demonstrated leadership skills fostering social work practice development within multidisciplinary teams and across trust-wide services.
Working Conditions & Location
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Workplace: Springfield University Hospital, London SW17 0YF.
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Contract: Permanent, part-time with flexible working options available.
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Band: NHS Agenda for Change Band 7, offering a competitive salary package.
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Required due to the sensitive nature of the work.
What You Will Gain Working at SWLSTG
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The opportunity to work at the forefront of forensic intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability social work in a unique multidisciplinary team.
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Be part of a Trust investing in cutting-edge mental health infrastructure and committed to transforming patient care.
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Access to professional development, leadership pathways, and inclusive workplace policies that support career progression.
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A supportive, inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and actively works to combat discrimination.
How to Apply
To apply for the Social Worker (COS Available) role, visit the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust careers page or use the NHS Jobs portal. Applications must be submitted before 01 June 2025.
Ensure your application highlights your experience in forensic and learning disability social work, your qualifications, and your commitment to flexible, patient-centered care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) available for this job?
Yes, SWLSTG offers Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international applicants requiring visa support.
What is the working pattern?
The position is part-time with flexible working options to support work-life balance.
What professional registration is required?
You must be currently registered with Social Work England.
Is prior forensic mental health experience mandatory?
While experience in forensic services is desirable, the essential requirement is proven social work experience in mental health and learning disabilities.
Summary: Why This Social Worker Job Is Your Next Career Move
This role represents a unique chance to join a forward-thinking NHS Trust committed to innovative mental health and forensic social work. With competitive pay, visa sponsorship, flexible working, and access to career development, this position is ideal for skilled social workers aiming to specialize in forensic intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
If you want to thrive in an inspiring and supportive NHS environment and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, apply now for the Social Worker role at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.