Band 6 Forensic Social Worker, Bristol

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health service in Bristol is offering a full-time secondment for a social worker in the Forensic Social Work service. The successful candidate will support service users under the Mental Health Act and work within multi-disciplinary teams. Essential qualifications include a social work qualification and registration with Social Work England. This role provides an opportunity to impact the lives of vulnerable individuals positively.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Social work qualification is essential.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Experience in mental health statutory services required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a workload based on competence and service delivery needs.
• Undertake risk assessments for vulnerable adults.
• Ensure accurate record keeping in accordance with Trust policies.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Report writing

Education

Social Work England Approved qualification

Relevant Post Qualifying Award

Job description

We are in a position to offer a full time 12 month secondment for a social worker in the Forensic Social Work service at Fromeside Medium Secure Unit and Wickham Low Secure Unit.

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. 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 embed the social model into a medicalised environment, and use their skills, values, knowledge and expertise to improve the experience of some of society's 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 user's 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 but is not essential.

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. The role 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. There will be direct work with service users, carers and family members, including children at times.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust):a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.

We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.

Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

To carry out the statutory duties and responsibilities within relevant legislation.

To independently manage a workload proportionate to level of competence, qualification and experience and related to the prioritisation of service delivery.

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

To provide / enter accurate information into computer-based systems, such as Rio, and ensure that records/information are accurate, up to date, secure and maintained, using IT in accordance with trust policies 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.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Social Work England Approved qualification.
• Evidence of on-going and recent training and a commitment to personal and professional development.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• All employees are required to be up to date with the Trust's statutory and mandatory training.
• Relevant Post Qualifying Award - PEPS/AMHP/BIA
• Ability to contribute to the development of social work practice.

Experience and Knowledge

• To be able to demonstrate being an Experienced Social Worker as defined by the "Forensic Mental Health Social Work: Capabilities Framework". Or to attain that level within 12 months of being in post, in line with process agreed with The Head of Social Work in AWP. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forensic-mentalhealth-social-work-capabilities-framework
• Evidence of experience in effective multidisciplinary work and understanding its importance in the delivery of care.
• Experience of working with mental health service users with complex needs.
• A good knowledge of other relevant legislation (including the Mental Health Act and Care Act) and an excellent understanding of the principles and function of CPA and risk assessment.
• 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.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equalities, anti-discriminatory social work practice and the statutory framework within which social work is provided.
• Have a good awareness of responsibilities towards Safeguarding; intervening, obtaining advice and making referrals as appropriate and according to legislation and policy.
• Able to maintain links and communicate with localities, collating information that will inform treatment and risk assessment and support them in their role in planning after-care under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 in order to facilitate discharge when appropriate.
• Able to assess risk, needs, analyse information and recognise problems. The ability to balance the need to protect others, including the general public, with the rights of the individual.
• Good communication skills - listening, understanding, ability to express self to other people from a range of backgrounds and cultures.
• Able to write reports to a high standard. To attend and contribute to meetings and Tribunals as required by the service.
• Able to organise and manage time constraints and balance conflicting demands.
• An ability to form and maintain good working relationships with service users who may exhibit challenging behaviour or have committed offences.
• Understanding of data protection/confidentiality and need for accurate and timely record keeping.
• Familiarity with IT systems and information packages.

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.