Service Lead for Social Work - Forensic & Prison Services
The closing date is 19 October 2025
Job summary
We are recruiting a full-time Service Lead for Social Workto further develop the Social Work provision across Oxford Health's Forensic and Prison Services.
Using specialist casework skills, you'll carry a complex caseload as well as provide supervision to practising Social Workers across the service. Taking a lead in the development of the service, there are opportunities to implement and embed initiatives in line with Directorate, Trust, Provider Collaborative, national health and social care priorities.
Key responsibilities include professional supervision of Social Work staff across the Forensic and Prison Services to undertake statutory responsibilities in relation to the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Care Act including Section 75 provision. You'll also be leading on Safeguarding across the service. The role involves line management responsibilities for the Inpatient Social Work team as well as clinical and professional supervision responsibilities for Social Workers across the service.
If you're a registered social worker with extensive experience in mental health and strong leadership skills, we'd love to hear from you!
Main duties of the job
- Provide leadership for the Social Work staff within the Forensic and Prison Mental Health Mental Health Service, developing a strengths-based culture through supervision and coaching.
- Enable strategic development of the profession in accordance with national and local NHS and Social Care Policy and guidance.
- Be accountable for the professional performance of Social Work staff within the Forensic and Prison Mental Health Mental Health Service and to perform a representative and advisory role for this service for matters relating to the profession.
- Offer advice to the Head of Service, Clinical Director and Service Directors on the social work role, staffing levels and skill mix within service developments for the Forensic and Prison Mental Health Service.
- In partnership with the Head of Service/Clinical Directors, strategically develop the contribution of social work for the care group.
- Represent the Forensic Social Work service at local, regional and national forums, including the Provider Collaborative.
- Work collaboratively with the Trust Associate Director for Social Work and Social Care, Forensic Professional Lead for AHPs and Social Work, Lead Social Workers for the Forensic and Prison Mental Health Service to ensure the provision of a co-ordinated, integrated and responsive Social Work service.
Please refer to the job description attached for a comprehensive list of duties.
About us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
o Excellent opportunities for career progressiono Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and developmento 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous serviceo NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailerso Competitive pension schemeo Lease car schemeo Cycle to work schemeo Employee Assistance Programmeo Mental Health First Aiderso Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)o Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Details
Date posted
02 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum | pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
267-FS7501504
Job locations
Oxford Clinic
Littlemore Hospital
Littlemore
OX4 4XN
Employer details
Employer name
Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address
Oxford Clinic
Littlemore Hospital
Littlemore
OX4 4XN
Employer's website
https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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