Job summary
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 the 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.
Main duties of the job
The GSTT IBPS provides multidisciplinary care for those infected and affected by contaminated blood products by: a) conducting outreach and psychosocial assessments led by the social worker (post holder); and b) 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
About us
GSTT is an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the communities it serves. As a flexible working organisation, we are open to discuss 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post
Person Specification
Qualifications/Education
Essential
- Recognised degree-level qualification in Social Work.
- MSc in relevant subject or equivalent level of postgraduate training (e.g. short courses, specific training).
- Registration with Social Work England
Desirable
- Training/education in supporting long-term health conditions
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-qualification experience in social work including social care of people with complex problems and chronic physical health conditions.
- Risk assessment including mental health
- Experience in community health teams or acute hospital Trust settings.
- Taking a keyworker role and managing own caseload
- Experience of team working.
- Working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Working with hard to engage communities
- Working with external agencies to address social care needs
Desirable
- MDT working in a health setting.
- Planning and delivering community engagement events.
- Teaching to lay and professional groups.
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of, and adherence to, legislation, procedures, policies and good practice guidelines relevant to the role..
- Knowledge of key issues relating to developments in Infected Blood Inquiry and implication for service provision.
- Sound knowledge of current issues in the profession.
- Understanding of social issues that impact adversely on service-users.
- Awareness of diversity and inequality issues affecting access to services.
- Knowledge of external agencies (both statutory and voluntary) that can be used as part of a care plan to help address social care needs.
Desirable
- Understanding how social context can interact with and impact on service-users' mental and physical health and vice versa.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent skills in communicating complex information in different ways to audiences with different levels of understanding.
- Excellent listening skills and able to manage difficult and emotionally-charged conversations.
- Well-developed IT skills.
- Skills in liaising with a wide range of external agencies and referring service-users to such agencies in a timely and effective way.
Desirable
- Competence in consultancy to other staff groups.
- Evidence of having contributed to service development / audit
Person Specification
Qualifications/Education
Essential
- Recognised degree-level qualification in Social Work.
- MSc in relevant subject or equivalent level of postgraduate training (e.g. short courses, specific training).
- Registration with Social Work England
Desirable
- Training/education in supporting long-term health conditions
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-qualification experience in social work including social care of people with complex problems and chronic physical health conditions.
- Risk assessment including mental health
- Experience in community health teams or acute hospital Trust settings.
- Taking a keyworker role and managing own caseload
- Experience of team working.
- Working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Working with hard to engage communities
- Working with external agencies to address social care needs
Desirable
- MDT working in a health setting.
- Planning and delivering community engagement events.
- Teaching to lay and professional groups.
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of, and adherence to, legislation, procedures, policies and good practice guidelines relevant to the role..
- Knowledge of key issues relating to developments in Infected Blood Inquiry and implication for service provision.
- Sound knowledge of current issues in the profession.
- Understanding of social issues that impact adversely on service-users.
- Awareness of diversity and inequality issues affecting access to services.
- Knowledge of external agencies (both statutory and voluntary) that can be used as part of a care plan to help address social care needs.
Desirable
- Understanding how social context can interact with and impact on service-users' mental and physical health and vice versa.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent skills in communicating complex information in different ways to audiences with different levels of understanding.
- Excellent listening skills and able to manage difficult and emotionally-charged conversations.
- Well-developed IT skills.
- Skills in liaising with a wide range of external agencies and referring service-users to such agencies in a timely and effective way.
Desirable
- Competence in consultancy to other staff groups.
- Evidence of having contributed to service development / audit
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.
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.
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).
