Forensic Social Worker | Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust

Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health service provider in Maidstone is looking for a resilient Social Worker to join their multidisciplinary team. This role involves supporting inpatients through their recovery journey and ensuring effective discharge management. Ideal candidates will have a Social Work degree, experience working with vulnerable populations, and a valid UK driving licence. The position offers opportunities for professional development within a compassionate and caring environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive multidisciplinary team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health or social work environments preferred.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload.
• Holder of a full, valid UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Work within an inpatient ward as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Research and compile social history reports.
• Identify and work to overcome barriers to patient discharge.

Skills

Resilience

Team collaboration

Assessment skills

Understanding of Care Act 2014

Education

Social Work degree

Tools

Safeguarding protocols

Care planning systems

Job description

Overview

Please note: at this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB).

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a specialised setting where you can develop your knowledge, skills and your career. You will be a pivotal part of the multidisciplinary team providing high quality care and applying social work values in a secure hospital setting. This role is ideal for a resilient Social Worker who enjoys working as part of an MDT and is passionate about supporting patients through their recovery journey, ultimately achieving their discharge from hospital.

Responsibilities

• Work within an inpatient ward as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
• Research and compile social history reports.
• Identify potential barriers to discharge at the earliest stage, and work with others to help overcome these.
• Provide support to the wider ward team regarding children’s and adult safeguarding responsibilities.
• Contribute to ongoing care planning for in-patients, and work with partner organisations and the wider MDT to ensure risk is managed effectively. Liaise with relevant colleagues, Responsible Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards to ensure that patients are assessed under the Care Act 2014 and that their "Section 117" needs are determined promptly, in collaboration with the patient and their family, to facilitate effective discharge.
• Contribute to various statutory forums, including Mental Health Tribunals and Mental Health Act Hospital Managers’ Hearings.
• Lead on liaison with external agencies, including MAPPA, probation and the Victim Contact Scheme.
• Demonstrate the skills to maintain your Social Work professional identity and the ability to assert the social perspective when working within an inpatient environment.
• Be part of the Garden of England with opportunities for professional development and quality of life.

Your Organisation

We are Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT), providing mental health, learning disability and specialist services, serving 1.8 million people across the county. The Trust (rated Good overall by the CQC and Outstanding for care) has 3,283 staff across 66 buildings and 33 locations. We are supported by friendly, diverse colleagues committed to providing excellent care to our service users and their families. Our approach values kindness and compassion as standard, with everyone from cleaners and porters to the chief executive and chairman recognised for their vital role in delivering an exemplary service.

Our Strategy and Vision

Our strategy: Our mission is what we set out to do every day — We deliver brilliant care through brilliant people. Our vision: To provide outstanding care and to work in partnership to deliver this in the right place, for every service user, every time.

Check out our recruitment videos.

Role Details

The post holder will be supported to manage an agreed caseload of highly complex forensic work. You will assist our in-patients to maintain links with their local community and families where appropriate. You will liaise closely with community teams and other agencies and support the Medium Secure Services’ own MDT. Some travel may be required in relation to duties.

Newly qualified applicants may apply and will be considered, but will need to go through their ASYE at Band 5. Once completed, they will progress to Band 6 thereafter.

The post holder must hold a full, valid UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Please see the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role.

This advert closes on Wednesday 8 Oct 2025.