Job summary
This post is for social workers. Any applications that do not meet this criteria we cannot accept
We are looking for an experienced Social Worker with experience in the community and forensic fields to join the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT). This is a developing service that has been set up in response to the NHS New Care Models to improve the care of service users within the forensic mental health system. The SCFT works with mental health offenders from the Essex area who are being cared for within medium and low secure mental health units, primarily in Essex.
Main duties of the job
The main role is to act as a care coordinator/social supervisor to a small caseload (10 service users) with complex needs. This role will start with a period of 'in-reach' work with our service users for six to nine months prior to discharge with the aim of building good therapeutic relationships; with the aim to engage service users in their care planning, relapse prevention work and addressing potential challenges after discharge. As part of the role care coordinators will be given the opportunity to attend specialist training in the forensic mental health field.
About us
The successful candidate will work with the rest of the MDT and act as social supervisor/care coordinator for a small caseload of service users through the care system pathway from secure placement to community setting in self-contained accommodation, 24 hour supported care and intensive enablement placements.
Join our Staff bank
What is Staff Bank?
Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.
All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.
If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder has the responsibility of providing and enhancing services for individuals in secure settings pre, during and post discharge to support timely transitions to community settings.
The role will be embedded within a Multi-disciplinary team with a specific focus of expediting the safe, smooth discharge of service users specifically within Brockfield House and other secure services to a range of appropriate community placements. The post holder will be expected to provide care co-ordination for a small caseload and contribute to the development of robust risk assessments and care plans. The post holder would be required to attend regular inpatient reviews to monitor the progress of service users and to ensure that any potential delay to discharge is addressed at the earliest opportunity. The team will support clients across Essex.
The post holder is also expected to contribute and support the day to day operational management of the SCFT.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
1. Professional Qualification in recognised Social Work Qualification - Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
2. Evidence of post qualification training
Desirable
3. HCR20 qualification.
4. Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, or similar.
Knowledge
Essential
5. Understanding of their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983.
6. Understanding responsibilities under the Care Programme Approach, Mental Capacity Act, Clinical Governance, Safeguarding, Risk Assessment and Child Protection Legislation
7. Demonstrate an up to date knowledge of current legislation and government policy.
8. Understanding the principles and practice of leadership, supervision and management.
9. Knowledge and skills to deliver a range of therapeutic interventions in a community setting
10. Ability to work on own initiative and manage time effectively
11. Evidence of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and maintain professional relationships within the MDT
12. Evidence of supporting daily living and community networking
Desirable
13. Evidence of continuing professional/personal development
14. Knowledge of community mental health services.
15. Knowledge of forensic mental health services
16. Knowledge of statutory and non-statutory organisations in Essex.
Skills/Experience
Essential
17. Evidence of co-ordinating care for a group of service users.
18. Experience of and ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care
19. Ability to analyses and present complex information to professional colleagues
20. Evidence of personal leadership skills.
21. Ability to communicate effectively through verbal/written communication
22. Literate in IT/Computer Skills
23. Ability to inspire confidence in service users, carers and junior staff.
24. Ability to set clear objectives/targets and prioritise workload and competing demands.
25. Form sound assessments directly and indirectly from knowledge of others at work.
26. Ability to build relationships and negotiate satisfactory outcomes.
27. Understanding the impact of culture, social and health beliefs and opportunities on service users.
Desirable
28. Experience of working within secure environments
29. Understanding the principals of recovery.
Personal Qualities
Essential
30. Shares the Trust's beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour:
31. Ensures that the organisational values of open, compassionate and empowering are demonstrated by self and others every day and that any matters of concern are addressed in a timely way, either directly; or raised with the relevant Line Manager; or through the relevant processes within the Trust as appropriate
32. Ability to work in an open manner as part of a team with a commitment to sharing and working alongside staff in own and other organisations, whilst at the same time recognising your own clinical responsibility and limitations.
33. Demonstrates Energy, enthusiasm and resilience.
34. Commitment to enhance own and staff development.
35. Genuine commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
Desirable
36. Excellent organisational skills.