Senior Social Worker

The Methodist Church in Britain; Helensburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Methodist Church in Britain is seeking a locum senior social worker for an 11-week assignment with the Ministry of Defence at HMS Neptune's community mental health department. The role covers mental health social work for service personnel and their families, including caseload management and advising managers on delivery, with service development input.

This is a 37-hour, Monday-to-Friday post. PVG membership or Access NI certificate and the right to work in the UK are required, as no visa

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or professional degree in social work.
• Registration with SWE/SSSC/CCW or NISCC as applicable.
• Post-qualifying experience in mental health social work is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health social work for a designated community mental health department within Defence Mental Health Services.
• Manage patient caseloads under allocated processes and advise on delivery.
• Offer subject-matter guidance to the Health & Safeguarding Lead and department managers.
• Contribute to service development based on clinical observations and experience.
• Undertake additional clinical or management tasks as agreed with line manager.

Skills

Caseload management

Clinical guidance

Policy & safeguarding knowledge

Communication

Education

Degree in Social Work

DipSW / CQSW / CQIW

Job description

This is an 11-week locum post for a senior social worker, covering an assignment with the Ministry of Defence at the HMS Neptune community mental health department. The work is mental health social work for service personnel and their families, including managing a caseload and advising the department's managers on delivery. It is a 37-hour, Monday-to-Friday post with service development and safeguarding input alongside casework. Fit needs a PVG membership or Access NI certificate and existing right to work, as no visa sponsorship is offered.

What the job involves

• Provide mental health social work for a designated community mental health department and the wider Defence Mental Health Services
• Manage patient caseloads under DCMH allocation processes, as directed by the clinical team lead and MHSW Regional Lead
• Advise the DCMH manager (single post) or MHSW Regional Lead (dual post) on mental health social work delivery
• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to the Health & Social Care and Safeguarding Lead for the mental health team
• Contribute to service development by suggesting initiatives based on observations
• Undertake additional clinical or management tasks appropriate to the grade, as agreed with the line manager or Head of Service

What’s required

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work, or Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) or Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)

Registration & licences

• Registration with the SWE, SSSC, CCW or NISCC

Experience

• Post-qualifying experience as a mental health social worker in a mental health setting
• Experience working with clients who have a range of complex mental health difficulties
• Caseload management experience in a multi-professional setting

Skills & knowledge

• Working knowledge of mental disorders and treatment options, including the recovery model
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent amendments
• Working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including DoLS/LPS
• Working knowledge of the Care Act 2014, ECHR 1998 and adult and children safeguarding policies

Checks & eligibility

• Full driving licence
• PVG membership (Disclosure Scotland) or Access Northern Ireland certificate
• Right to work in the UK without restrictions on hours

Other

• In-date Safeguarding Level 3 certification for children and young people and for adults
• Willingness to train to Safeguarding Level 4 as required

What’s offered

• Attractive rates of pay with weekly payments and a choice of payment model
• Refer a Friend bonus scheme
• Flexibility of long- and short-term assignments
• Free uniforms, if required
• Free mandatory training
• Assigned experienced consultant for application and throughout the assignment