Lead Practitioner (MH)

TN United Kingdom; Chipping Barnet; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a lead practitioner in mental health social work at Barnet Council. The role involves leading discharge pathways, providing high-quality assessments, and fostering professional development. Candidates should hold a relevant qualification and have experience in collaborative working. Flexible working options and excellent training opportunities are offered.

Benefits

31 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working options

Lifestyle discounts and payroll benefits

Excellent training and development opportunities

Employee wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• Competent at Senior Social Worker level under the National Competency Framework.
• Experience in collaborative partnership working.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mental health discharge pathway and attend planning meetings.
• Deliver high-quality social work assessments for adults and carers.
• Provide supervision and mentoring to social workers.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Resilience

Education

Social Work Qualification

Job description

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About Barnet Council

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces, and diverse communities make it a great place to live and work. As a council, we aim to build on these strengths as we move forward. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to improve Barnet. Our staff are dedicated to our values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, and Collaborative, which guide all our actions.

About the Mental Health team

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the mental health social work service. We seek a highly skilled and confident lead practitioner with thorough knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and other key adult social care legislation. The role involves leading the mental health discharge pathway by attending escalation and discharge planning meetings, supervising hospital social care workers, and collaborating effectively with external and internal professionals and services. Managing a small caseload may be required. Knowledge of community-based and preventative services is vital for a strengths-based approach. As a lead practitioner, you will develop effective working methods with health partners across the North London Foundation Trust and community mental health teams. The role also includes providing high-quality practice leadership, supervision, and case management support to social workers and AEOs within the pathway. Building strong relationships with network navigators, who coordinate discharges on mental health wards, is essential.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Want to progress their career while remaining in frontline practice.
• Want to develop skills in leadership and multidisciplinary working.
• Will create a positive learning environment for hospital staff.
• Are resilient practitioners confident to challenge professionally when necessary.
• We are open to candidates with transferable skills; LP experience is not essential.

About the role

• Support the Team Manager in providing clear practice leadership and supervision, promoting high professional standards.
• Foster continuous learning and professional development across Communities, Adults, and Health, enhancing practice quality and staff wellbeing.
• Assist individuals in maintaining health, wellbeing, and independence by providing information, advice, and signposting to preventative services, focusing on resilience and strengths.
• Deliver high-quality social work assessments for adults and carers, aligned with the Care Act 2014 and local policies.
• Safeguard adults and carers at risk of harm, promoting Making Safeguarding Personal principles.
• Undertake and review care and support plans that are outcomes-led, with wellbeing at their core.

Please click here to download the Job description for this role.

About you

• Hold a relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
• Competent at Senior Social Worker level under the Social Worker National Competency Framework.
• Experience in collaborative partnership working, leading in areas for Social Care and the Integrated Care Board.
• Provide supervision and mentoring, support caseload management, and promote reflective practice and professional development.
• Complete decision support tools, conduct care assessments, reviews, and re-assessments within legal and policy frameworks.

What we offer

• 31 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid, home working, part-time, etc.
• A range of lifestyle discounts and payroll benefits.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing programs including confidential support services.

How to apply

Review the job description and person specification before applying online. For further information, contact us.

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We promote equality and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We embrace flexible working and are a Disability Confident Employer. For reasonable adjustments, contact the lead on this advert. All posts are subject to a six-month probationary period. Apply promptly as vacancies may close early if sufficient applications are received. Check your email regularly for updates.