South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and hard-working Band 6 social worker to work with the multi-disciplinary team on Hume ward.
Hume ward is a 15 bed Male Low Secure Unit ward, currently located on the Springfield Hospital site, part of Southwest London and St Georges NHS Trust Forensic service, Shaftesbury Clinic. We are part of the South London Mental Health Partnership (with SLAM and Oxleas) and Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services sharing learning, expertise and innovation to improve the quality of care and treatment of service users and the development of staff.
Our Multidisciplinary team is responsible for assessing, managing and reducing the risk to patients and the community whilst in our care. The team comprises of Mental Health Nurses, Forensic Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Dance and Movement Therapists, Social Worker, Discharge Co Ordinator, Recovery Workers and administrative staff.
Main duties of the job
Social worker posts are only open to staff with a social workers registration, obtained as a result of completing a qualification recognised by British Social Worker Association (BASWA).
The post holder will provide social work service to the multidisciplinary team working with forensic inpatients, undertake comprehensive assessments, compile detailed social histories, lead on Safeguarding Adults and Children, and carry out statutory responsibilities of reporting upon patient's social circumstances in relation to mental health tribunals and hospital managers hearings.
The post holder will contribute with social work skills, perspective and statutory functions to the assessment and treatment of adult patients in the forensic service, ensure patients have access to Local authority services and resources to which they are entitled, and ensure social care duties are fully discharged either by the Trust or directly by relevant Local Authorities.
Job responsibilities
* To be accountable for a social work role and function within the multidisciplinary team.
* To facilitate understanding, and clear communication between all relevant parties concerned with safeguarding adults and children procedures.
* To communicate complex and sensitive information to clients and their carers requiring empathy, negotiation and persuasion skills.
* To ensure that issues relating to carers, families and social networks of patients are properly addressed in care planning.
* To carry out social work assessments in conjunction with local authority in relation to assessments of need, discharge planning, and responsibilities with regards to s117 of the Mental Health Act.
* To prepare comprehensive social histories on all new admissions to enhance the MDTs knowledge and understanding of the patient.
* To plan and organize complex activities, including participating in therapy groups and social activities for patients and their carers/families.
* To contribute to assessment procedures and assist other agencies in the performance of their statutory duties.
* To promote anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice and to work towards providing an equal opportunities service.
* To participate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to the development of team identity.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
* Recognised UK social work qualification e.g. Social Work Degree, CQSW, CSS or Dip SW or recognised international equivalent and current eligibility for registration with Social Work England.
* Post qualifying training in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health.
* Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.
* Further relevant training e.g. group work, family therapy.
* Approved Social Worker/AMHP.
Experience
* Post qualifying experience as a social worker. Experience of working autonomously within a multi-disciplinary environment.
* Experience of working with people with complex mental health needs.
* Experience of working in an inpatient forensic mental health setting.
* Experience of working with offenders.
* Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis.
Knowledge & Skills
* Specialist knowledge of social work practice in severe and enduring mental illness.
* Knowledge and understanding of current mental health legislation and associated guidance.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels in both Social Services and Health.
* Ability to assess clinical situations quickly and use initiative.
* Ability to work with considerable autonomy as a solo social worker in a multidisciplinary team.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Salary: £44,806 to £53,134 a year pro rata per annum inclusive of inner London HCAS.
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