Job summary
This is an exciting time in the social work team as we develop new ways of working within the team as well as the service. Therefore it would be an opportune time for you to join us if you have the required experience and knowledge. It is a fascinating area of Forensic Mental Health where social workers are able to make a real difference to the lives of service users and their carers.
The Forensic Social Work team are committed to meet the needs of service users detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. They help to imbed the social model into a medicalised environment, and use their skills, values, knowledge and expertise to improve the experience of some of societies most vulnerable people.
The Forensic Social Work team work with services users, their carers and multi-disciplinary teams across two hospitals located at Blackberry Hill. Fromeside is an 81 bed Medium Secure Unit and Wickham is a 31 bed Low Secure Unit. The post holder may work across both hospitals or be allocated to just one, depending on their caseload.
A social work qualification is essential as is registration with Social Work England.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will have a commitment to a social care perspective, whilst balancing the service users rights against the protection of the public. There is a requirement to work in an anti-oppressive manner, challenging any discrimination appropriately and safeguarding the vulnerable. You would have a valuable role in using your skills, values, expertise and knowledge to improve the lives of service users and their carers in what can often be an isolated and stigmatised existence.
Previous experience of working with service users who have severe mental health problems is essential and some experience in a statutory setting is required. Knowledge of Part 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 would be advantageous.
Social workers will work with multi-disciplinary teams and have work allocated to them from these teams as directed by the Responsible Clinician. They will also take a joint responsibility for the workload of the social work team as required and when necessary. This will include tasks such as completing high quality reports and records, attending various MDT meetings, presenting and participating in Tribunals and Hearings, liaising regularly with MAPPA, the Police, Safeguarding and Victim Liaison Officers, and working closely Local Authorities, recovery teams and specialist community forensic teams. They will, at times, need to provide social work cover for service users that are allocated to colleagues, when they are not available.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust):a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job responsibilities
To carry out the statutory duties and responsibilities within relevant legislation as prescribed by the Team / Line Manager
To manage a workload commensurate with level of competence, qualification and experience within the Departments eligibility criteria and prioritisation of service delivery.
To undertake risk assessments for vulnerable adults and to be responsible for action in situations where service users liberty or safety is at stake according to agreed Trust policies.
To concentrate, as required by organisational needs, on specific areas of work and specialised of service user groups (eg. Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Impairment, Drugs, Alcohol and Asylum Seekers).
To contribute to the development and supervision of other social workers and to undertake student supervision, depending on the level of experience and position on career progression schemes.
To concentrate on specific areas of project work requiring more developed skills.
To comply with Trusts case recording standards and good practice in relation to presenting information to service users.
To provide / enter accurate information into computer-based information systems and ensure that records/information are accurate, up to date, secure and maintained, using IT in accordance with agreed data - entry system wherever appropriate, and the Data Protection Act.
To undertake complex work that requires inter-agency working and co-ordination.
To apply advanced knowledge of a wide range of legislation and policies.
To undertake and/or co-ordinate work with networks, communities and agencies.
To contribute to the development of services, policies and practices within legislative and policy frameworks.
To be responsible for the continuing professional development of self and contribute to the development of others. Experienced staff will be required to undertake student supervision.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Diploma or Degree in Social Work
- Evidence of recent training as a commitment to personal and professional development.
- Registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker
Desirable
- Relevant Post Qualifying Award
- Practice Teaching Award
- AMHP Award
- BIA
Experience
Essential
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working
- Experience working in statutory services
- Experience of working with individuals who have serious mental health problems
- A good knowledge of other relevant legislation (including the Mental Health Act 1983 and Care Act) and an excellent understanding of the principles and function of CPA and risk assessment
Desirable
- Experience relevant to the work setting, (e.g. community, hospital or specialist service team)
- Two years experience of working in a relevant field within mental health statutory services
- Experience of working with mental health service users with a forensic history
- Experience of working in a multiracial environment or of working with black people or people from other ethnic minority groups
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Evidence of understanding the statutory framework within which social work is provided.
- Ability to communicate effectively in the written word as evidenced on the application form.
- Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equalities and anti-discriminatory practice and able to demonstrate ability to work in an anti-oppressive manner.
- An awareness of responsibilities towards safeguarding the vulnerable
- Able to assess risk, needs, analyse information and recognise problems
- Ability to organise and manage time constraints and balance conflicting demands
- Clear analytical skills in assessing interacting/ competing factors.
- Computer literate and basic numeracy skills.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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 theUK 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 seeNHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer name
Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Blackberry Hill Hospital
Manor Road, Fishponds
Bristol
BS16 1EG
Employer's website
http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job responsibilities
To carry out the statutory duties and responsibilities within relevant legislation as prescribed by the Team / Line Manager
To manage a workload commensurate with level of competence, qualification and experience within the Departments eligibility criteria and prioritisation of service delivery.
To undertake risk assessments for vulnerable adults and to be responsible for action in situations where service users liberty or safety is at stake according to agreed Trust policies.
To concentrate, as required by organisational needs, on specific areas of work and specialised of service user groups (eg. Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Impairment, Drugs, Alcohol and Asylum Seekers).
To contribute to the development and supervision of other social workers and to undertake student supervision, depending on the level of experience and position on career progression schemes.
To concentrate on specific areas of project work requiring more developed skills.
To comply with Trusts case recording standards and good practice in relation to presenting information to service users.
To provide / enter accurate information into computer-based information systems and ensure that records/information are accurate, up to date, secure and maintained, using IT in accordance with agreed data - entry system wherever appropriate, and the Data Protection Act.
To undertake complex work that requires inter-agency working and co-ordination.
To apply advanced knowledge of a wide range of legislation and policies.
To undertake and/or co-ordinate work with networks, communities and agencies.
To contribute to the development of services, policies and practices within legislative and policy frameworks.
To be responsible for the continuing professional development of self and contribute to the development of others. Experienced staff will be required to undertake student supervision.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Diploma or Degree in Social Work
- Evidence of recent training as a commitment to personal and professional development.
- Registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker
Desirable
- Relevant Post Qualifying Award
- Practice Teaching Award
- AMHP Award
- BIA
Experience
Essential
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working
- Experience working in statutory services
- Experience of working with individuals who have serious mental health problems
- A good knowledge of other relevant legislation (including the Mental Health Act 1983 and Care Act) and an excellent understanding of the principles and function of CPA and risk assessment
Desirable
- Experience relevant to the work setting, (e.g. community, hospital or specialist service team)
- Two years experience of working in a relevant field within mental health statutory services
- Experience of working with mental health service users with a forensic history
- Experience of working in a multiracial environment or of working with black people or people from other ethnic minority groups
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Evidence of understanding the statutory framework within which social work is provided.
- Ability to communicate effectively in the written word as evidenced on the application form.
- Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equalities and anti-discriminatory practice and able to demonstrate ability to work in an anti-oppressive manner.
- An awareness of responsibilities towards safeguarding the vulnerable
- Able to assess risk, needs, analyse information and recognise problems
- Ability to organise and manage time constraints and balance conflicting demands
- Clear analytical skills in assessing interacting/ competing factors.
- Computer literate and basic numeracy skills.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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 theUK 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 seeNHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer name
Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Blackberry Hill Hospital
Manor Road, Fishponds
Bristol
BS16 1EG
Employer's website
http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Diploma in Social Worker or (relevant) Social Work England Approved qualification.
- Evidence of on-going and recent training as a commitment to personal and professional development.
- Registered with Social Work England and a commitment to undertake relevant training and continued professional development relevant to this role
- All employees are required to be up to date with the Trust's statutory and mandatory training. Some of the training will be provided internally in our training department, by the Trust and through other avenues. This will be agreed in annual appraisals and in monthly supervision.
Desirable
- Relevant Post Qualifying Award
- Practice Teaching Award.
- CLAIT or European CDL or evidence of qualification in Windows based software package.
- AMHP award
- BIA award
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- To be able to demonstrate being an Experienced Social Worker as defined by the "Forensic Mental Health Social Work: Capabilities Framework". Or to attain that level within 12 months of being in post, in line with process agreed with The Head of Social Work in AWP. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forensic-mentalhealth-social-work-capabilities-framework
- Evidence of experience in effective multidisciplinary work and understanding its importance in the delivery of care.
- Experience of working with mental health service users with complex needs.
- A good knowledge of other relevant legislation (including the Mental Health Act and Care Act) and an excellent understanding of the principles and function of CPA and risk assessment.
Desirable
- Experience relevant to the work setting, (e.g. community, hospital or specialist service team).
- Two years experience of working in a relevant field within mental health statutory services
- Experience of working with mental health service users with a forensic history
- Experience in working in a multiracial environment or of working with black people or people from other ethnic minority groups.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equalities and anti-discriminatory in social work practice and able to demonstrate ability to work in an anti-oppressive manner. principals of safety, dignity and empowerment
- An awareness of responsibilities towards safeguarding the vulnerable, which will include both children and adults; intervening, obtaining advice and making referrals as appropriate and according to legislation and policy.
- Evidence of understanding of philosophies, professional social work issues and the statutory framework within which social work is provided and relevant legislation.
- Ability to maintain links and communicate with localities, collating information that will inform treatment and risk assessment and support them in their role in planning after-care under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983. In order to facilitate discharge when appropriate.
- Able to assess risk, needs, analyse information and recognise problems. The ability to balance the need to protect others, including the general public, with the rights of the individual.
- Good communication skills - listening, understanding, ability to express self to other people from a range of backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to communicate effectively in the written word as evidenced on the application form and experience of report writing. To have an ability to write report to the required standard, as necessary. To attend and contribute to meetings and Tribunals as required by the service.
- Ability to organise and manage time constraints and balance conflicting demands
- Demonstrate initiative and ability to respond creatively to assessed need. Ability to work in a complex situation where there is an element of risk
- An ability to form and maintain good working relationships with service users, carers and Ability to contribute to development of Social Work practice. Ability to input data and retrieve information using a computer Familiarity with IT systems and information packages members of other agencies.
- Clear analytical skills in assessing interacting/ competing factors.
- Skills and abilities that will contribute to effective team working and an ability to use personal skills and other resources to resolve any differences.
- Understanding of data protection/ confidentiality and need for accurate and timely record keeping.
- Computer literate and basic numeracy skills
- Able to fulfil the transport requirements of the role
- As a social worker, it is expected that you will acknowledge that the climate emergency is a social issue which tends to impact disproportionately on those already suffering from deprivation and discrimination. Also that naturally, the climate crisis can cause anxiety and distress for service users as well as staff.
- Any other skills or qualities specified in the advertisement.
Desirable
- Ability to contribute to development of Social Work practice.
- Ability to input data and retrieve information using a computer
- Familiarity with IT systems and information packages
Other Requirements
Essential
- Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times.
- Strategies for working in pressurised and emotionally demanding situations.
- Make decisions in complex situations sometimes on the basis of uncertain information.
- Demonstrate an awareness of procedure and accountability and accept the statutory responsibilities of the Trust.
- To provide cover for service users that are allocated to colleagues, when they are not available.
- Make use of support from the social work team and the manager of the Team / Social Care Lead. With a shared responsibility for their supervision, coming prepared and participating in the supervisory process. As well as informal supervision as necessary.
- To have work allocated to them from these teams as directed by the manager of the team. They will also take a joint responsibility for the workload of the social work team as required and when necessary
Desirable
- Contribute to the continuing professional development of others.
- Ability to contribute to development of social work practice.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Diploma in Social Worker or (relevant) Social Work England Approved qualification.
- Evidence of on-going and recent training as a commitment to personal and professional development.
- Registered with Social Work England and a commitment to undertake relevant training and continued professional development relevant to this role
- All employees are required to be up to date with the Trust's statutory and mandatory training. Some of the training will be provided internally in our training department, by the Trust and through other avenues. This will be agreed in annual appraisals and in monthly supervision.
Desirable
- Relevant Post Qualifying Award
- Practice Teaching Award.
- CLAIT or European CDL or evidence of qualification in Windows based software package.
- AMHP award
- BIA award
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- To be able to demonstrate being an Experienced Social Worker as defined by the "Forensic Mental Health Social Work: Capabilities Framework". Or to attain that level within 12 months of being in post, in line with process agreed with The Head of Social Work in AWP. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forensic-mentalhealth-social-work-capabilities-framework
- Evidence of experience in effective multidisciplinary work and understanding its importance in the delivery of care.
- Experience of working with mental health service users with complex needs.
- A good knowledge of other relevant legislation (including the Mental Health Act and Care Act) and an excellent understanding of the principles and function of CPA and risk assessment.
Desirable
- Experience relevant to the work setting, (e.g. community, hospital or specialist service team).
- Two years experience of working in a relevant field within mental health statutory services
- Experience of working with mental health service users with a forensic history
- Experience in working in a multiracial environment or of working with black people or people from other ethnic minority groups.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equalities and anti-discriminatory in social work practice and able to demonstrate ability to work in an anti-oppressive manner. principals of safety, dignity and empowerment
- An awareness of responsibilities towards safeguarding the vulnerable, which will include both children and adults; intervening, obtaining advice and making referrals as appropriate and according to legislation and policy.
- Evidence of understanding of philosophies, professional social work issues and the statutory framework within which social work is provided and relevant legislation.
- Ability to maintain links and communicate with localities, collating information that will inform treatment and risk assessment and support them in their role in planning after-care under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983. In order to facilitate discharge when appropriate.
- Able to assess risk, needs, analyse information and recognise problems. The ability to balance the need to protect others, including the general public, with the rights of the individual.
- Good communication skills - listening, understanding, ability to express self to other people from a range of backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to communicate effectively in the written word as evidenced on the application form and experience of report writing. To have an ability to write report to the required standard, as necessary. To attend and contribute to meetings and Tribunals as required by the service.
- Ability to organise and manage time constraints and balance conflicting demands
- Demonstrate initiative and ability to respond creatively to assessed need. Ability to work in a complex situation where there is an element of risk
- An ability to form and maintain good working relationships with service users, carers and Ability to contribute to development of Social Work practice. Ability to input data and retrieve information using a computer Familiarity with IT systems and information packages members of other agencies.
- Clear analytical skills in assessing interacting/ competing factors.
- Skills and abilities that will contribute to effective team working and an ability to use personal skills and other resources to resolve any differences.
- Understanding of data protection/ confidentiality and need for accurate and timely record keeping.
- Computer literate and basic numeracy skills
- Able to fulfil the transport requirements of the role
- As a social worker, it is expected that you will acknowledge that the climate emergency is a social issue which tends to impact disproportionately on those already suffering from deprivation and discrimination. Also that naturally, the climate crisis can cause anxiety and distress for service users as well as staff.
- Any other skills or qualities specified in the advertisement.
Desirable
- Ability to contribute to development of Social Work practice.
- Ability to input data and retrieve information using a computer
- Familiarity with IT systems and information packages
Other Requirements
Essential
- Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times.
- Strategies for working in pressurised and emotionally demanding situations.
- Make decisions in complex situations sometimes on the basis of uncertain information.
- Demonstrate an awareness of procedure and accountability and accept the statutory responsibilities of the Trust.
- To provide cover for service users that are allocated to colleagues, when they are not available.
- Make use of support from the social work team and the manager of the Team / Social Care Lead. With a shared responsibility for their supervision, coming prepared and participating in the supervisory process. As well as informal supervision as necessary.
- To have work allocated to them from these teams as directed by the manager of the team. They will also take a joint responsibility for the workload of the social work team as required and when necessary
Desirable
- Contribute to the continuing professional development of others.
- Ability to contribute to development of social work practice.
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).
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