Band 6 Forensic Social Worker-Bristol

Job overview

This is an exciting time in the social work team as we develop new ways of working within the team as well as the service. Therefore it would be an opportune time for you to join us if you have the required experience and knowledge. 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 are committed to meet the needs of service users detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. They help to imbed the social model into a medicalised environment, and use their skills, values, knowledge and expertise to improve the experience of some of societies most vulnerable people.

The Forensic Social Work team work with services users, their carers and multi-disciplinary teams across two hospitals 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 hospitals or be allocated to just one, depending on their caseload.

A social work qualification is essential as is registration with Social Work England.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will have a commitment to a social care perspective, whilst balancing the service users 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.

Previous experience of working with service users who have severe mental health problems is essential and some experience in a statutory setting is required. Knowledge of Part 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 would be advantageous.

Social workers will work with multi-disciplinary teams and have work allocated to them from these teams as directed by the Responsible Clinician. They will also take a joint responsibility for the workload of the social work team as required and when necessary. This will include tasks such as completing high quality reports and records, attending various MDT meetings, presenting and participating in Tribunals and Hearings, liaising regularly with MAPPA, the Police, Safeguarding and Victim Liaison Officers, and working closely Local Authorities, recovery teams and specialist community forensic teams. They will, at times, need to provide social work cover for service users that are allocated to colleagues, when they are not available.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job responsibilities

To carry out the statutory duties and responsibilities within relevant legislation as prescribed by the Team / Line Manager

To manage a workload commensurate with level of competence, qualification and experience within the Departments eligibility criteria and prioritisation of service delivery.

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

To concentrate, as required by organisational needs, on specific areas of work and specialised of service user groups (eg. Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Impairment, Drugs, Alcohol and Asylum Seekers).

To contribute to the development and supervision of other social workers and to undertake student supervision, depending on the level of experience and position on career progression schemes.

To concentrate on specific areas of project work requiring more developed skills.

To comply with Trusts case recording standards and good practice in relation to presenting information to service users.

To provide / enter accurate information into computer-based information systems and ensure that records/information are accurate, up to date, secure and maintained, using IT in accordance with agreed data - entry system wherever appropriate, 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. Experienced staff will be required to undertake student supervision.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Social Work
• Evidence of recent training as a commitment to personal and professional development.
• Registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker

Desirable

• Relevant Post Qualifying Award
• Practice Teaching Award
• AMHP Award
• BIA

Experience

Essential

• Experience of multi-disciplinary working
• Experience working in statutory services
• Experience of working with individuals who have serious mental health problems
• A good knowledge of other relevant legislation (including the Mental Health Act 1983 and Care Act) and an excellent understanding of the principles and function of CPA and risk assessment

Desirable

• Experience relevant to the work setting, (e.g. community, hospital or specialist service team)
• Two years’ experience of working in a relevant field within mental health statutory services
• Experience of working with mental health service users with a forensic history
• Experience of working in a multiracial environment or of working with black people or people from other ethnic minority groups

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Evidence of understanding the statutory framework within which social work is provided.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the written word as evidenced on the application form.
• Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equalities and anti-discriminatory practice and able to demonstrate ability to work in an anti-oppressive manner.
• An awareness of responsibilities towards safeguarding the vulnerable
• Able to assess risk, needs, analyse information and recognise problems
• Ability to organise and manage time constraints and balance conflicting demands
• Clear analytical skills in assessing interacting/ competing factors.
• Computer literate and basic numeracy skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer name

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Blackberry Hill Hospital

Manor Road, Fishponds

Bristol

BS16 1EG

Employer's website

http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)