Band 6 Forensic Social Worker - Bristol

Job overview

We are in a position to offer a part‑time, 12‑month secondment for a Social Worker in the Forensic Social Work Service at Fromeside Medium Secure Unit and Wickham Low Secure Unit.

This is an exciting time for the Social Work team as we develop new ways of working within the team and the wider service. It is a fascinating area of forensic mental health where Social Workers are able to make a real difference to the lives of service users and their carers.

The Forensic Social Work team is committed to meeting the needs of service users detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. They help to embed the social model within a medicalised environment and use their skills, values, knowledge, and expertise to improve the experience of some of society’s most vulnerable people.

The Forensic Social Work team works with service users, their carers, and multi‑disciplinary teams across two units located at Blackberry Hill. Fromeside is an 81‑bed Medium Secure Unit, and Wickham is a 31‑bed Low Secure Unit. The post holder may work across both units or be allocated to one, depending on their caseload.

A Social Work qualification is essential, as is registration with Social Work England.

Right to Work in the UK This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will have a commitment to a social care perspective, whilst balancing the service user's rights against the protection of the public. There is a requirement to work in an anti-oppressive manner, challenging any discrimination appropriately and safeguarding the vulnerable. You would have a valuable role in using your skills, values, expertise and knowledge to improve the lives of service users and their carers in what can often be an isolated and stigmatised existence.

For full details, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job responsibilities

To carry out the statutory duties and responsibilities within relevant legislation.

To undertake risk assessments for vulnerable adults and to be responsible for action in situations where service users' or others' liberty or safety is at stake according to legislation and agreed Trust policies.

To provide / enter accurate information into computer-based systems, such as Rio, and ensure that records/information are accurate, up to date, secure and maintained, using IT in accordance with trust policies and the Data Protection Act.

To undertake complex work that requires inter-agency working and co-ordination.

To apply advanced knowledge of a wide range of legislation and policies.

To undertake and/or co-ordinate work with networks, communities and agencies.

To contribute to the development of services, policies and practices within legislative and policy frameworks.

To be responsible for the continuing professional development of self and contribute to the development of others.

Note: This post is open to newly qualified social workers. In line with AWP Trust policy, all newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) will be recruited initially at Band 5 level, regardless of the advertised role banding. All NQSWs are expected to successfully complete their ASYE within 2 years of employment, unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case it may be extended for a further 2 years.

If you have been appointed to an advertised Band 6 role, this will be an automatic progression following confirmation of your successful ASYE completion. If you have been appointed to a Band 5 post, you will then be eligible to apply for a subsequent Band 6 vacancy upon successful ASYE completion.

For full details, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.