Mental Health Social Worker

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Wallsend; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension up to 14.5%

Relocation package £8K

Season ticket loans

Staff discounts

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Mental Health Social Worker for the Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD) based at Basildon Hospital. You will provide person-centred, strengths-based assessments and care planning for adults in mental health crisis, with safeguarding leadership and MDT guidance.

The role emphasizes biopsychosocial approaches, collaboration with carers and families, and timely referrals to social care and community resources.

Qualifications

• Possession of recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent).
• Registration with Social Work England is required.
• Willingness to study towards a Post Qualification Award in Social Work.

Responsibilities

• Identify and address social determinants of mental health and social exclusion.
• Contribute to biopsychosocial assessments and care planning.
• Lead safeguarding processes and provide MDT guidance.
• Ensure timely referral and coordination with safeguarding agencies.
• Engage carers and family members to support recovery and social inclusion.

Skills

Social work experience

Care Act knowledge

Safeguarding knowledge

Multi-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Degree in Social Work

Registered with Social Work England

Post Qualification Award in Social Work

Job description

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Social Worker

The closing date is 22 November 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a mental health Social Worker in our MHUCD.

The Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD) is a place where anyone in Essex, aged 18 and above, who is in a mental health crisis can receive an urgent biopsychosocial assessment and immediate care planning. It is a purpose built department based at the Basildon Mental Health Unit on the Basildon Hospital site.

The department will offer a calm and therapeutic mental health setting to see the majority of urgent/emergency mental health presentations and represent an improvement on the service previously offered in busy emergency departments.

Main duties of the job

Social workers within the Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD) provide a person-centred, strengths-based approach to care, with a focus on the psychosocial factors that impact an individual's mental health, wellbeing, and behaviour.

Within assessment and intervention, social workers will:

Identify and address social determinants of mental health, including social exclusion and its impact on wellbeing (e.g. housing instability, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation)

Contribute to biopsychosocial assessments, ensuring that social context is fully integrated into risk assessment, formulation, and care planning

Support access to appropriate social care services and community resources

Where safeguarding concerns are identified, social workers will:

Lead on safeguarding processes, in line with Trust safeguarding policies and statutory responsibilities

Provide specialist advice, guidance, and consultation to the multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Ensure timely referral, escalation, and coordination with relevant safeguarding agencies

Social workers in the MHUCD (Mental Health Urgent Care Department) will lead and engage with carers, children and family members, in discussion around their own support needs, and how they can support the vulnerable person to promote recovery and social inclusion

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for a detailed list of responsibilities.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• Possession of recognised Social Work Qualification - Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
• Registered with Social Work England
• Studying or willingness to study towards full Post Qualification Award in Social Work

Knowledge

• Multi‑disciplinary Social Care experience within multi‑disciplinary team - relevant to people with mental health difficulties.
• Knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice as defined by Social Work England and appropriate legislation and guidance.
• Working knowledge of The Care Act and other key legislation.
• A variety of experiences working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Supervisory experience

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.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Mental Health Urgent Care Department

Basildon Mental Health Unit, Nethermayne

£39,959 to £48,117 a yearper annum + 5% High Cost Allowance

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time

Reference number

364-B-371-A

Job locations

Mental Health Urgent Care Department

Basildon Mental Health Unit, Nethermayne