About Us
At South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, we are committed to providing world-class care. Our services are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, and we aspire to achieve ‘Outstanding.’ We offer:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Career development opportunities.
- A welcoming and inclusive environment.
- State-of-the-art facilities, including brand-new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital.
- A diverse and anti-racist workplace that values co-production with local communities.
Job Summary
Position: Social Worker
Location: United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: £44,806 – £53,134 per annum (pro rata)
We are seeking a dedicated Band 6 Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at Hume Ward, a 15-bed male low secure unit located at Springfield Hospital under the Southwest London and St George’s NHS Trust Forensic Services. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a highly regarded service, working collaboratively with experts in mental health care.
About the Role
As a Social Worker in our forensic inpatient low secure ward, you will:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments and compile detailed social histories.
- Lead safeguarding initiatives for adults and children.
- Fulfill statutory responsibilities for reporting on patients’ social circumstances in mental health tribunals and hospital managers’ hearings.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess, treat, and plan patient discharges.
- Ensure patients access local authority services and resources.
- Advocate for anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practices.
- Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, including the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and Children Act.
- Participate in therapy groups, social activities, and care planning meetings.
- Prepare reports, including social history, tribunal, and hospital manager’s reports.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguarding Leadership: Act as a key facilitator for safeguarding procedures, ensuring compliance with the Care Act and other statutory guidelines.
- Patient Advocacy: Promote the inclusion of carers and family members in care planning and ensure smooth transitions to lower-security environments.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Participate actively in team meetings, policy development, and external engagements as needed.
- Statutory Duties: Provide social work assessments and assist with statutory duties under various legal frameworks.
- Continuous Development: Engage in professional development, appraisals, and relevant training opportunities.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Flexible working hours.
- Access to professional development and training.
- Opportunities to work in a multidisciplinary and innovative team.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications:
- Essential: Recognized UK Social Work qualification (e.g., Social Work Degree, Dip SW, CQSW) and registration with Social Work England.
- Desirable: Approved Social Worker/AMHP accreditation and additional training in group or family therapy.
Experience:
- Essential: Post-qualification experience, working autonomously in multidisciplinary settings, with individuals experiencing complex mental health issues.
- Desirable: Experience in forensic mental health, offender rehabilitation, or substance misuse/dual diagnosis.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Essential: Specialist knowledge of social work practices, mental health legislation, and safeguarding. Excellent communication skills and ability to assess and plan independently.
- Desirable: Skills in anger/anxiety management and engaging with personality disorders and forensic histories.
Application Information
This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check and compliance with UK Visa and Immigration requirements. Skilled Worker sponsorship is available for eligible candidates.
For further details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
