Forensic Social Worker

We are currently recruiting on behalf of one of the UK’s leading providers of behavioural care and specialist support services for a Forensic Social Worker to join the established team within an independent mental health hospital in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The hospital is a 12 bedded low secure unit for adults with Mental Health & Learning Difficulties. It also has a bespoke Pod for 1 person

Our Client believes in enabling patients with mental health illness to receive a truly integrated and holistic approach to their treatment, regardless of complexity or severity, thanks to the knowledge and expertise of our multidisciplinary clinical teams.

This is a full time permanent post and offers a competitive salary of £37,450 per annum. Part-time will be considered and flexible working hours.

Responsibilities

Co-ordinates, negotiates and manages the mandatory processes and procedures to ensure the unit’s compliance with current legislation and statutory regulation. Using skills, knowledge and understanding of practice in the specialist area of forensic social work to provide a Social Work Service to patients within the secure environment. Key Accountabilities Quality

To contribute to the provision of multi-disciplinary pre-admission assessments of patients referred to Hazelwood House with key responsibility for obtaining and verifying information regarding a patient’s family, victim issues and any other third party information.

To identify and contribute to the assessment and management of risk, whilst balancing the need for public protection.

To research, by obtaining and analysing previous Reports, conducting collateral interviews with the patient, family members, victims and community professionals; to compile statutory reports and other associated documentation under current legislation and present these at case conference meetings, s117 after-care planning meetings, Mental Health Review Tribunals and Hospital Managers Hearings, as the detaining authority, offering verbal evidence in support of their contents.

To offer a Social Work perspective to work with patients and the multi disciplinary team highlighting and challenging discriminatory structures and practices where identified.

To maintain accurate and up-to-date internal and statutory records that may be required as evidence in formal proceedings.

Act as the main contact between relatives, agencies and other official organisations taking a lead in negotiations and communications regarding patients, co-ordinating multi agency liaison regarding child protection issues, including managing the Safeguarding Procedure; together with risk issues within the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA), and victim contact (Domestic Violence, Crime & Victims Act, 2004). To act as Appropriate Adult (under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act) for patients when required. Innovation

Assists and supports regional management in developing and implementing new services. Value

Provides a high quality service to contribute towards the unit’s objectives and giving their service users a greater value for money.

Knowledge & Skills
A degree level social work qualification and GSCC (RSW) registration, together with detailed knowledge and comprehensive understanding of relevant legislation.

Experience
Experience within a Forensic, Criminal Justice or Mental Health setting where the role holder has acquired well developed skills in the assessment and management of individuals with mental health or forensic backgrounds.

The successful candidate will receive regular professional supervision from a senior professional line manager actively participate in the process of their annual appraisal by reflecting on and practice and workload issues and continually providing evidence of professional development.

A full driving licence is essential. IT literacy is also needed to enable the role holder to perform their function effectively.

For further information please contact Maxine or alternatively forward your CV for consideration.