Job overview
****previous applicants need not apply****
We are seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful social worker who will have the ability to respond positively and creatively to the needs of our service users. You will need to be registered with Social Work England and have access to a car as you may also need to provide cover at our other unit.
You will work as part of the wider MDT within the Child and Adolescent Inpatient unit and work closely with outside agencies (including Essex County Council and other local authorities).
Main duties of the job
Your primary post will be within the Child and Adolescent Inpatient services, requiring individuals to think with a positive and forward-thinking attitude, putting the needs and safety of our services users at the heart of everything we do. The role offers the ability to have independent professional freedom but also with access to the support and expertise of a multi-disciplinary team.
As an NHS employee, you’ll have access to caseload and managerial supervision - as well extensive training and development opportunities (including AMHP Training).
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As noted, the successful candidate will work as a Social Worker in the Child and Adolescent inpatient services, providing high quality assessments and intervention to service users experiencing a wide range of mental health problems, promoting recovery and independence, using Mental Health Care clusters, third sector and statutory bodies to identify appropriate pathways and treatment plans with service users.
You will support the delivery of strength and asset-based approaches promoting recovery and social inclusion with individuals, carers and families. This post will thus involve implementing the personalisation agenda through inclusive and strengths-based assessments, vital to delivering the statutory social care duties and responsibilities within the Care Act (2014).
Following the appointment and a period of probation, the post holder will be expected to undertake AMHP training, if not already done so. This role will involve undertaking MHA assessments and other allocated work (e.g. Community Treatment Orders) in relation to service users with a broad range of mental health problems. Again, engaging carers and working within appropriate legal frameworks (Mental Health, Mental Capacity, Human Rights, Children’s legislation etc.) is pivotal in reaching appropriate outcomes. (Note those working as AMHPs also receive supplementary pay).
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Education
Essential
- Possession of recognised Social Work Qualification – Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
- Registration with Social Work England
Knowledge
Essential
- Multi-disciplinary Social Care experience within multi-disciplinary team – relevant to people with mental health difficulties.
- Knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice as defined by Social Work England and appropriate legislation and guidance.
Desirable
- A variety of experiences working with people with mental health difficulties.
Skills/Experience
Essential
- Makes ongoing assessments of frequently complex service users needs and associated risks and demonstrates knowledge and understanding of wide range of resource options within budgetary framework/ constraints.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide and receive highly complex, highly sensitive or highly contentious information.
Desirable
- Demonstrate well developed motivational, negotiation, training and empathetic skills as required.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Social Worker with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in St Aubyn Centre. It is listed as a Band 6 role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 Per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 08 Sep 2026.
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