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 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.
Job responsibilities
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.
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 on 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
* Professional Qualification in recognised Social Work Qualification - Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
* Evidence of post qualification training
Desirable
* HCR20 qualification.
* Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, or similar.
Knowledge
Essential
* Understanding of their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983.
* Understanding responsibilities under the Care Programme Approach, Mental Capacity Act, Clinical Governance, Safeguarding, Risk Assessment and Child Protection Legislation.
* Demonstrate an up to date knowledge of current legislation and government policy.
* Understanding the principles and practice of leadership, supervision and management.
* Knowledge and skills to deliver a range of therapeutic interventions in a community setting.
* Ability to work on own initiative and manage time effectively.
* Evidence of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and maintain professional relationships within the MDT.
* Evidence of supporting daily living and community networking.
Desirable
* Evidence of continuing professional/personal development.
* Knowledge of community mental health services.
* Knowledge of forensic mental health services.
* Knowledge of statutory and non-statutory organisations in Essex.
Skills/Experience
Essential
* Evidence of co-ordinating care for a group of service users.
* Experience of and ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.
* Ability to analyse and present complex information to professional colleagues.
* Evidence of personal leadership skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively through verbal/written communication.
* Literate in IT/Computer Skills.
* Ability to inspire confidence in service users, carers and junior staff.
* Ability to set clear objectives/targets and prioritise workload and competing demands.
* Form sound assessments directly and indirectly from knowledge of others at work.
* Ability to build relationships and negotiate satisfactory outcomes.
* Understanding the impact of culture, social and health beliefs and opportunities on service users.
Desirable
* Experience of working within secure environments.
* Understanding the principles of recovery.
Personal Qualities
Essential
* Shares the Trust's beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour.
* 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.
* 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.
* Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm and resilience.
* Commitment to enhance own and staff development.
* Genuine commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
Desirable
* Excellent organisational skills.
Employer details
Employer name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
No 2 Heath Close
Heath Close
Billericay
CM12 9NW
Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.
364-A-8299-B #J-18808-Ljbffr