Band 6 Forensic Social Worker-Bristol

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health trust in Bristol seeks a qualified Social Worker to manage workloads, conduct risk assessments, and ensure service delivery within statutory frameworks. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Social Work, relevant experience, and a commitment to professional development. You'll be part of a supportive team, contributing to the welfare of vulnerable adults in diverse service user groups.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training for personal and professional development.
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage workload as per eligibility criteria.
• Conduct risk assessments for vulnerable adults.
• Supervise and develop other social workers.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Skills

Risk Assessment

Multi-disciplinary Working

Education

Diploma or Degree in Social Work

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

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.