Band 6 Forensic Social Worker

Job summary

The Forensic directorate is in partnership with REACHOUT Provider Collaborative to deliver secure services in the West Midlands.

We are seeking to recruit a permanent Band 6 Mental Health Forensic Social Worker, as an opportunity to join a well-established and supportive forensic social work team.

We operate across two sites: Medium Secure services in Stafford, at St Georges Hospital and Low Secure services in Clee Unit at the Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury. The service offers acute admission, treatment and a comprehensive rehabilitation program to men with mental health problems who have a history of offending or risks to others. All units operate within the Recovery model of care.

The post involves providing the social work perspective to the multi-disciplinary team on Norton rehabilitation ward. The post holder will be primarily based at the Hatherton Centre Medium Secure. The post holder will ideally have had some experience of working with service-users who have a forensic history.Applicants should hold Social Work England registration and hold AMHP status or a willingness to work towards this qualification.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the Community.

For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact: Liz Wylie via email on liz.wylie@mpft.nhs.uk

Interviews are planned for the 18th of May 2026

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for:o Providing specialist forensic social work support to adult males with mental health needs, complex risk profiles and offending histories.o Ensuring care and intervention is delivered in line with statutory duties, recovery principles, and public protection requirements.The post holder will be accountable to the Forensic Social Work Lead Professional, who will allocate and review all work through regular supervision. The post holder will also be operationally supported by the relevant Ward Manager.The main duties are in line with social work statutory duties, discretionary powers and professional values/code of conduct.1) To provide social work input and support to adults/carers/families helping to promote self-determination, choice and autonomy.2) To ensure the most appropriate influencing statute governs the personalisation pathway framework, within forensic mental health and criminal justice contexts.3) To conduct a range of holistic, needs-led assessments, and complex evaluations, alongside care and support planning and reviews.4) Individuals remain central to all processes.5) Assessments may include support for individuals with needs related to safeguarding protocols, Care Act legislation, Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act legislation, including forensic sections and Ministry of Justice restrictions.6) Relevant risk and safeguarding information and support is communicated to appropriate parties, as required.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For full job description and person specification please refer to the attached documents. In summary;

The Forensic Social Worker will have a key role to play in relation to supporting the delivery both the Recovery, personalisation and social inclusion agendas ensuring quality public facing services including health and social care services. The role will involve assessing; accessing; and implementing a range of social care services and providing guidance/advice and information for adults with acute or long-term physical health, mental health needs and for older people and carers.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential
-Professional Social Work qualification, DipSW, CQSW, CSS, BA, MA or Foreign qualification where certified by the Professional Social Work regulatory body.
-Ensuring current registration with the Professional Social Work regulatory body at all times.

Experience

Essential
-Significant post-qualification experience of working with adults with needs associated to older age, physical health or mental health needs and their carers.
-Experience of working within a secure, forensic, or criminal justice setting.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential
-Have a working knowledge/familiarity of a range of legislation including but not limited to:
oThe Care Act
oThe Mental Capacity Act
oThe Mental Health Act
oThe Equalities Act and an awareness of other legislation as it relates to people with mental health difficulties including Children and Families, Housing etc.