Lead Social Worker

Job overview

We are excited to be able to offer an experienced, independent, innovative individual with the skills, enthusiasm and vision, an opportunity to become the Lead Social Worker for the Forensic Mental Health Service at South-West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust – at the Shaftesbury Clinic based at Springfield Hospital.

The Forensic service provides short- and long-term hospital admissions to both males / female patients suffering from severe and enduring mental health problems such as psychotic illness, bipolar affective disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We provide admission under the Mental Health Act within levels medium security which is generally agreed with the referring team, court and Ministry of Justice.

The lead forensic social worker works as part of the MDT on Ruby Ward, which is a 10 bedded female medium secure unit, providing social work intervention within an inpatient setting

Main duties of the job

This is a pivotal role in supporting to undertake comprehensive assessments, compiling detailed social histories, leading on Safeguarding Adults and Children within the multidisciplinary team, planning for patient’s discharges and will carry out statutory responsibilities of reporting upon patients’ social circumstance in relation to mental health tribunals, CPA, and the hospital managers hearings.  You would also be expected to make referrals to MAPPA for patients who are eligible.  In addition to this you will provide supervisory responsibilities to the social workers, and supporting the social workers with their development, as well as undertaking managerial duties required for this role and those required for the service.

The post requires significant experience of social work and the concomitant to relevant areas of practice, theory, policy and legislation. Social workers are often called upon to provide clarity and direction in sensitive and complex situations.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To provide leadership for social work across the forensic services, providing direct supervision and social work management for forensic social workers

To provide social work services for patients on Ruby Ward and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in a professional role as social worker.

To provide leadership for safeguarding issues and liaising with the clients relevant local safeguarding teams as necessary.

To lead on the MCA 2005, the MHA 1983 and the Care Act 2014 as appropriate to client needs.

To be involved in providing assessment, treatment, consultation and supervision. Detailed assessments of clients and providing support and advice on complex cases.

Taking responsibility for the social care and social work elements of practice and innovations for the forensic service.

To liaise clearly and collaboratively with the services multi-disciplinary team and with external teams and providers as required.

To join colleagues in assessment and planning meetings both for the inpatient services and community services.

To lead on funding applications to the Local Authority and CCG- Placements/ Local Authority Housing Departments