Job summary We are excited to be able to offer an experienced, independent, innovative individual with the skills, enthusiasm and vision, an opportunity to become the Lead Social Worker for the Forensic Mental Health Service at South-West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust - at the Shaftesbury Clinic based at Springfield Hospital. The Forensic service provides short- and long-term hospital admissions to both males / female patients suffering from severe and enduring mental health problems such as psychotic illness, bipolar affective disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We provide admission under the Mental Health Act within levels medium security which is generally agreed with the referring team, court and Ministry of Justice. The lead forensic social worker works as part of the MDT on Ruby Ward, which is a 10 bedded female medium secure unit, providing social work intervention within an inpatient setting Main duties of the job This is a pivotal role in supporting to undertake comprehensive assessments, compiling detailed social histories, leading on Safeguarding Adults and Children within the multidisciplinary team, planning for patient's discharges and will carry out statutory responsibilities of reporting upon patients' social circumstance in relation to mental health tribunals, CPA, and the hospital managers hearings. You would also be expected to make referrals to MAPPA for patients who are eligible. In addition to this you will provide supervisory responsibilities to the social workers, and supporting the social workers with their development, as well as undertaking managerial duties required for this role and those required for the service. The post requires significant experience of social work and the concomitant to relevant areas of practice, theory, policy and legislation. Social workers are often called upon to provide clarity and direction in sensitive and complex situations. About us We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'. This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027. We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do. We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive. Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey. Date posted 17 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £54,320 to £60,981 a year per annum inclusive of inner London HCAS Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 294-FASP-7157013-JB Job locations Springfield University Hospital 15 Springfield Drive London SW17 0YF Job description Job responsibilities To provide leadership for social work across the forensic services, providing direct supervision and social work management for forensic social workers To provide social work services for patients on Ruby Ward and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in a professional role as social worker. To provide leadership for safeguarding issues and liaising with the clients relevant local safeguarding teams as necessary. To lead on the MCA 2005, the MHA 1983 and the Care Act 2014 as appropriate to client needs. To be involved in providing assessment, treatment, consultation and supervision. Detailed assessments of clients and providing support and advice on complex cases. Taking responsibility for the social care and social work elements of practice and innovations for the forensic service. To liaise clearly and collaboratively with the services multi-disciplinary team and with external teams and providers as required. To join colleagues in assessment and planning meetings both for the inpatient services and community services. To lead on funding applications to the Local Authority and CCG- Placements/ Local Authority Housing Departments Job description Job responsibilities To provide leadership for social work across the forensic services, providing direct supervision and social work management for forensic social workers To provide social work services for patients on Ruby Ward and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in a professional role as social worker. To provide leadership for safeguarding issues and liaising with the clients relevant local safeguarding teams as necessary. To lead on the MCA 2005, the MHA 1983 and the Care Act 2014 as appropriate to client needs. To be involved in providing assessment, treatment, consultation and supervision. Detailed assessments of clients and providing support and advice on complex cases. Taking responsibility for the social care and social work elements of practice and innovations for the forensic service. To liaise clearly and collaboratively with the services multi-disciplinary team and with external teams and providers as required. To join colleagues in assessment and planning meetings both for the inpatient services and community services. To lead on funding applications to the Local Authority and CCG- Placements/ Local Authority Housing Departments Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential 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 the GSCC Post qualifying training (whether gained formally and accredited or through evidenced on-the-job training) in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health Evidence of continuing professional and personal development Desirable Further relevant training e.g. group work, family therapy Approved Social Worker/AMHP or willing to undergo training as an AMHP Experience Essential 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. Desirable Experience of working in an inpatient mental health setting Experience of working with service users in forensic services Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis Demonstrate experience or skills to develop a positive leadership for social work profession in a MDT setting, as well as across wider Trust Knowledge & Skills Essential Specialist knowledge of social work practice in severe and enduring mental illness and/or forensic setting Knowledge and understanding of current mental health legislation and associated guidance Knowledge of counselling skills, group skills, cognitive skills, and behavioural skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels in both Social Services and Health Demonstrate strength of experience in risk assessment & management Desirable Specialist clinical skills in relation to engaging with people with mental disorder who have committed an offense Teaching skills including training others Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential 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 the GSCC Post qualifying training (whether gained formally and accredited or through evidenced on-the-job training) in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health Evidence of continuing professional and personal development Desirable Further relevant training e.g. group work, family therapy Approved Social Worker/AMHP or willing to undergo training as an AMHP Experience Essential 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. Desirable Experience of working in an inpatient mental health setting Experience of working with service users in forensic services Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis Demonstrate experience or skills to develop a positive leadership for social work profession in a MDT setting, as well as across wider Trust Knowledge & Skills Essential Specialist knowledge of social work practice in severe and enduring mental illness and/or forensic setting Knowledge and understanding of current mental health legislation and associated guidance Knowledge of counselling skills, group skills, cognitive skills, and behavioural skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels in both Social Services and Health Demonstrate strength of experience in risk assessment & management Desirable Specialist clinical skills in relation to engaging with people with mental disorder who have committed an offense Teaching skills including training others 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust Address Springfield University Hospital 15 Springfield Drive London SW17 0YF Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)