Forensic Social Worker

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated social worker to join the MDT, based at the Hellingly Centre (forensic medium secure inpatient service) You will be part of the wider FHS social work team, working alongside men and women with mental health issues and challenging or offending behaviour using a Trauma Informed approach.  You will link in with their friends and families and their professional networks to develop care pathways.

As a Social Worker in the FHS, you must be motivated and hard working with a passion for delivering high quality care. You will demonstrate a commitment to effective team working, have excellent communication, assessment and risk management skills and be prepared to be actively involved in interventions to prepare people for discharge to the community. Previous experience working in a forensic setting will be an advantage. In return, we offer a stimulating and supportive work environment, supervision, opportunities for personal and professional development, full trust induction and training.

We will also accept applicants who are seeking to undertake their ASYE at Band 5. Progression from Band 5 to 6 will depend upon successfully completing the ASYE programme as outlined in the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social Workers in Adult Services and the end of ASYE competencies outlined in the Forensic MH social work: capabilities framework.  This would usually be expected to be completed within 12 months of starting.

Main duties of the job

• To attend multi disciplinary ward meetings, CPA reviews, admission and discharge care planning.
• Bring knowledge of social care issues to the multi disciplinary team.
• Advise team through knowledge of MHA, MCA and on Safeguarding.
• Obtain and provide welfare benefit advice to patients.
• Deliver psychotherapeutic intervention with other members of the team.
• Visit out of area placements to monitor provision and plan care pathways.
• Visit high secure hospitals to assess with other members of team suitability of transfer to conditions of less security.

Write reports and give evidence to MHT.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Provide for the social care needs of mentally disordered offenders detained in conditions of Medium security at Hellingly Centre.
• The post will be pre-dominantly working with inpatients as part of the multi disciplinary team providing secure recovery.
• Carry out a range of social work responsibilities within frame work of NHS and Care Act 2014.
• The post holder will be conversant with legal duties under MHA 1983 and MCA including Safeguarding of Adults at Risk and Children.
• Plan complex discharge packages including linking with Local Authority and other key partners
• Have Social Circumstances report writing skills and ability to give evidence to MHT and reports to Ministry of Justice.
• As part of multi disciplinary team attend ward rounds, CPA and undertake analysis related work.
• Understand multi agency information sharing in the interest of public protection and MAPPA procedures.

Hold a case load.