A newly created and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced/advanced social work practitioner to work alongside a dedicated team of 1.7 WTE psychologists delivering the Infected Blood Psychological Service (IBPS) based within the Guys and St Thomas’s (GSTT) Haemophilia Centre.
The GSTT IBPS is one of several newly funded 5-year services commissioned by the National Health Service England (NHSE) following the recent Infected Blood Inquiry with the aim to support patients and their families infected/affected by contaminated blood products.
We are looking for an energetic, dynamic social worker with a high degree of commitment to promoting safe and effective relationships with people impacted by infected blood.
We aim to attract a committed, diverse, and talented workforce who are passionate about delivering care within an acute hospital setting and adapting approaches to meet the needs of our services and service users. In return, we offer a supportive, dynamic work setting where you can link with colleagues and develop your career.
We welcome applications from social workers who are registered with Social Work England.
The GSTT IBPS provides multidisciplinary care for those infected and affected by contaminated blood products by:
1. Conducting outreach and psychosocial assessments led by the social worker (post holder).
2. Providing psychological therapies by the psychologists.
It collaborates closely with its Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), while maintaining a distinct identity.
The successful candidate will deliver a specialist and outreach social work role in navigating through the complex health and social care systems, and voluntary community services, while addressing the psycho-social, emotional, and practical challenges faced by people and their families impacted by infected blood.
An advanced knowledge and skill in the application of a range of social work interventions to promote independence, choice, control, and wellbeing is a prerequisite. Also embedded in the forefront of the role is the use of rights and strength-based approaches to care and support delivered to this service user group.
No previous experience of working with this service user group is necessary although some knowledge of the infected blood scandal, inquiry, and experiences of those impacted would be an advantage.
GSTT is an organisation that values and respects all of its staff and the communities it serves. As a flexible working organisation, we are open to discussing flexible working on appointment.
You will work in a team which values your unique experience, ideas, and interests. You will work as part of the GSTT IBPS and the GSTT Haemophilia Centre MDTs and will also be supported by social work colleagues within other IBPS’s, GSTT and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. CPD is encouraged so you will be able to enhance your own practice via professional development and contact with other social workers.
The GSTT IBPS will have close links with the Haematology Psychology Service (HPS) which has been providing psychological support to patients with blood disorders and their families at GSTT for over 20 years. The HPS is comprised of Practitioner Psychologists at various stages in their career. The team has a strong ethos of supporting each other, with access to reflective practice, learning spaces, and Trust wellbeing initiatives.
We are committed to equity and ensuring that the contributions of all members are respected and valued. Our HPS is recognised for being accessible to patients and staff and strives to be as representative of the local population as much as possible. We would particularly welcome applicants who can add to the diversity of the existing team and who value working with diverse communities.
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
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