Deputy Lead Social Worker

NHS; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Lead Social Worker at Thornford Park Hospital in Thatcham. This role involves supporting a multidisciplinary team while managing assessments and supervising junior staff. Ideal candidates should have a social work qualification, registered in the UK, and at least 4 years of experience. The position offers an annual salary of £48,000 – £50,000 and numerous benefits including career development opportunities, enhanced maternity package, and 33 days annual leave.

Benefits

Annual salary of £48,000 – £50,000

33 days annual leave

Career development and training

Wellbeing support and activities

Life Assurance

Free/subsidised meals

24/7 GP service

Qualifications

• Must be registered with Social Work England.
• At least 4 years’ experience managing social work responsibilities.
• Knowledge of mental health legislation and safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Lead Social Worker in quality assurance meetings.
• Support the social work team with safeguarding issues.
• Provide supervision and appraisal for junior staff.

Skills

Social Work qualification

Good working knowledge of relevant legislation

Experience in safeguarding

Education

Registration with Social Work England

At least 4 years’ experience in a similar environment

Job description

Job summary

This Deputy Lead Social Worker role at Elysium Healthcare’s Thornford Park Hospital in Thatcham offers an opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team supporting individuals with mental health conditions on their recovery journey. You will be responsible for assessments, CPA reports, Mental Health Tribunals, Managers Hearings, and supervising junior staff. The role requires a social work qualification, registration with Social Work England, and at least 4 years’ relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the social work team to take the lead on child and adult safeguarding.
• Deputising for Lead social worker in quality assurance meetings.
• Supporting the social work team to deliver Safeguarding induction and update training across the Hospital.
• Leading the multidisciplinary teams on non-medical mental capacity issues and best interest decisions.
• Delivering quality supervision and appraisal to junior and senior social workers in the Team.
• Liaising with external agencies to enable them to fulfil their statutory duties (e.g. MAPPA, Local Authority Social Services, CMHT, FIND, FOLS, Police and Probation).
• Supporting carers and families of detained patients.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Good working knowledge of relevant legislation.
• At least 4 years’ experience in a similar environment.

Where you will be working

Thornford Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8ET. You will work in a facility that combines medium secure and low secure units with rehabilitation flats, supporting a seamless internal care pathway for patients in recovery and rehabilitation.

What You’ll Get

• Annual Salary of £48,000 – £50,000
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus birthday off and the option to buy additional leave.
• Career development and training to help you achieve your professional goals.
• Access to the Rewards & Benefits platform Ely‑Vate.
• Wellbeing support and activities.
• Blue Light Card for exclusive offers.
• Life Assurance.
• Stream – instant access to earned wages and financial wellbeing support.
• 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion.
• Enhanced Maternity Package.
• Pension contribution.
• Free/subsidised meals and onsite/local free parking.

About your next employer

Elysium Healthcare is a leading provider of mental health, neurological, and learning disability services in the UK, with over 8,000 employees and a network of more than 90 services. As part of the Ramsay Health Care global network, we are committed to high‑quality, personalised care that empowers individuals on their recovery journey.

Additional Information

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. All candidates will be subject to a DBS disclosure and a Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 check.

Employer details

Elysium Healthcare – Thatcham, RG19 8ET. Website: https://www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/