Forensic Social Worker

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated social worker to join the Multi-Disciplinary Team, based at the Hellingly Centre (medium and low secure inpatient service) and managed by the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Forensic Healthcare Service (FHS). You will be part of the wider FHS social work team, working alongside men with mental health issues and challenging or offending behaviour using a Trauma Informed approach. You will link in with their friends and families and their professional networks to develop care pathways.

As a Social Worker in the FHS, you must be motivated and hard working with a passion for delivering high quality care. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to effective team working, have excellent communication, assessment and risk management skills and be prepared to be actively involved in interventions to prepare people for discharge to the community. Previous experience working in a forensic setting will be an advantage. In return, we offer a stimulating and supportive work environment, supervision, opportunities for personal and professional development, full trust induction and training.

Main duties of the job
1. To attend multi disciplinary ward meetings, CPA reviews, admission and discharge care planning.
2. Bring knowledge of social care issues to the multi disciplinary team.
3. Advise team through knowledge of MHA, MCA and on Safeguarding.
4. Obtain and provide welfare benefit advice to patients.
5. Deliver psychotherapeutic intervention with other members of the team.
6. Visit out of area placements to monitor provision and plan care pathways.
7. Visit high secure hospitals to assess with other members of team suitability of transfer to conditions of less security.

Write reports and give evidence to MHT.

About us

We provide NHS care and treatment to children, young people, adults and older people who have mental health problems, learning disabilities or neurodiversity needs.

We employ about 5,700 staff. Many of our services are provided in partnership with other organisations. We provide care in people's homes, in specialist clinics, hospitals and GP surgeries.

As well as being a provider of services across Sussex we also commission specialist beds. Working with NHS and independent sector healthcare organisations across the South-East we are the lead provider in three Provider Collaboratives. These cover adult eating disorders, secure care and children and young people inpatient services.

Sussex Partnership was formed in April 2006 as an NHS Trust and established as an NHS Foundation Trust with teaching trust status in August 2008. We work closely with Brighton and Sussex Medical School, a partnership between the Universities of Brighton and Sussex. In 2015, we became a member of the Association of UK University Hospitals, the representative body for university hospitals with major teaching and research interests across the UK and internationally.

Our services are rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission and 'outstanding' for caring. We work closely with other health and care partners to provide the best possible care to our local populations. We have strengths in innovation, including our work in the field of research and development.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide for the social care needs of mentally disordered offenders detained in conditions of Medium security at Hellingly Centre.

The post will be pre-dominantly working with inpatients as part of the multi disciplinary team providing secure recovery.

Carry out a range of social work responsibilities within frame work of NHS and Care Act 2014.

The post holder will be conversant with legal duties under MHA 1983 and MCA including Safeguarding of Adults at Risk and Children.

Plan complex discharge packages including linking with Local Authority and other key partners

Have Social Circumstances report writing skills and ability to give evidence to MHT and reports to Ministry of Justice.

As part of multi disciplinary team attend ward rounds, CPA and undertake analysis related work.

Understand multi agency information sharing in the interest of public protection and MAPPA procedures.

Hold a case load.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential
-Recognised social work qualification (Degree/MA in Social Work)
-Evidence of post registration training in relevant qualification

Knowledge/Experience

Essential
-Knowledge of current NHS performance agenda
-Significant experience of and demonstrable achievement in clinical practice
-Experience of providing professional support/supervision and motivation of staff
-Understanding of Mental Health Act, Care Act and other relevant legislation (Mental Capacity Act/Human Rights Act/etc)
-Experience of managing staff