Senior Social Worker - Forensic in Reading)

Benton Robertson; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Social Worker with forensic experience for a part-time locum opportunity in Reading. This role offers excellent pay and a supportive working environment, including free meals on site. You'll work with a dedicated team, providing specialist social work input for patients detained under the Mental Health Act. Your responsibilities will include delivering safeguarding assessments, managing risk, and supporting discharge planning. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills in a structured environment while making a meaningful impact on the lives of service users.

Benefits

Free meals on site

Supportive working environment

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Current Social Work England registration required.
• Experience in forensic inpatient settings is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist social work input for patients with complex forensic histories.
• Deliver safeguarding assessments and manage risk with the MDT.

Skills

Forensic experience

Mental Health Act knowledge

Safeguarding procedures

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Risk management skills

Education

Social Work England registration

Tools

MAPA training

Job description

Are you a Senior Social Worker with forensic experience looking for a rewarding locum opportunity in Reading? We have a fantastic part-time opportunity available offering excellent pay, a supportive working environment, and even free meals on site!

Key Details:

Job Title: Senior Social Worker - Forensic Inpatient Service

Location: Reading area

Duration: 3-month ongoing contract

Schedule: Wednesday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Part-time)

Start Date: ASAP

End Date: TBC

Rate of Pay: £40.00 per hour

A Day in the Life of a Senior Social Worker:

In this role, you'll join a specialist forensic inpatient service, supporting service users detained under the Mental Health Act. You will:

Provide specialist social work input for patients with complex forensic histories

Deliver safeguarding assessments and manage risk in collaboration with the MDT

Liaise with external agencies including MAPPA, social services, and criminal justice partners

Support patients with discharge planning, leave arrangements, and family liaison

Ensure accurate and timely completion of statutory documentation and care plans

Work in line with the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and relevant safeguarding legislation

With free meals on site and a strong MDT around you, this is a great opportunity to bring your experience into a highly supportive and structured environment.

Requirements & Qualifications:

Current and valid Social Work England registration

Experience working within forensic inpatient settings

Strong working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and safeguarding procedures

Must have valid MAPA (or equivalent PMVA) training

Excellent communication, organisational, and risk management skills

Working Hours & Contract Duration:

This role is part-time, working Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM , with the initial contract lasting 3 months ongoing , and a strong likelihood of extension depending on service needs.

Interested? Let's chat!

Why Choose Hunter Gatherer Mental Health?

Hunter Gatherer is a specialist UK recruitment agency connecting mental health professionals to exceptional locum and permanent roles across the NHS and private sector.

We're proud to offer:

Fast registration process A network of like-minded social work & mental health professionals High-paying, flexible locum opportunities A team of expert consultants who understand your field Access to exclusive NHS and private sector roles Regular payments and ongoing support

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