Prison Mental Health Social Worker

Tewv Brits; York; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Prison Mental Health Social Worker to join the mental health team at HMP Millsike, a new Category C men's prison near York. The role involves assessing and intervening for inmates, providing training, and collaborating with social care agencies to support successful reentry into the community. Ideal candidates will have a registered social work qualification and significant experience in mental health or learning disabilities.

Benefits

Supervision and peer support

CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered social worker with practice experience.
• Knowledge of MHA 1983, MCA 2005, and Care Act 2014.
• Experience in forensic or community settings.

Responsibilities

• Assess and intervene for men in prison settings.
• Develop person-centered care and support release planning.
• Conduct risk assessments and safeguarding.

Skills

Effective communication

Risk assessment

Patient record systems

Education

Registered social work qualification

Psychosocial qualifications (e.g., PSI/CBT)

Teaching qualification

Job description

Go back Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Prison Mental Health Social Worker

The closing date is 08 June 2025

Are you a registered social worker? Have you thought about working within prison mental health services?

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our mental health team at HMP Millsike, a brand new all-electric Category C men's prison, located in the village of Full Sutton near York.

Prison environments are challenging yet rewarding. If you're seeking a role to develop your skills and learn daily in a dynamic environment, this could be your opportunity.

HMP Millsike will have an operational capacity of 1500 inmates, focusing on skill development for reentry, aligned with the government's efforts to reduce reoffending. Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust was awarded the mental health service contract, starting April 2025.

This role involves developing the service model, demonstrating excellence in person-centered care, and providing training and advice to the team and partners, including working with Adult Social Care across East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire County Council, and York Council.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will assess and intervene for men in prison settings, working with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and prison staff. Responsibilities include developing the role through person-centered care, training, and collaboration with social care agencies under the Care Act, supporting release planning for complex cases, and working with partners to facilitate successful reentry.

The ideal candidate will be a registered social worker with significant experience in mental health or learning disabilities, understanding of related issues, and knowledge of the criminal justice system is beneficial. The role also involves facilitating community links and statutory work under relevant mental health legislation.

About us

The post offers supervision, peer support, and CPD opportunities, with collaboration across health and justice social workers.

The role includes conducting assessments, delivering interventions, supporting recovery, and undertaking duties under the Mental Health Act, including report writing and tribunal attendance. It also involves comprehensive social histories, risk assessments, safeguarding, and contributing to multidisciplinary relationships.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to confirm your suitability. A site visit is encouraged; contact [e-mail] for arrangements.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A registered social work qualification and practice experience
• Registration with SWE
• Knowledge of MHA 1983, MCA 2005, and Care Act 2014
• Psychosocial qualifications (e.g., PSI/CBT)
• Teaching qualification
• Experience with psychological care models

Experience

• Work in forensic or community settings
• Multidisciplinary team experience
• Risk assessment and care planning
• CPD and clinical skills
• Effective communication
• Experience in prison and offender work

Knowledge

• Safeguarding procedures
• Current mental health strategies

Skills

• Patient record systems and basic computer skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to DBS check as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order 1975).

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust