Forensic Social Worker

• Deliver specialist forensic social work and high-quality assessments for patients in secure care
• Prepare clear, concise reports for legal, clinical and public protection processes
• Advise the multidisciplinary team on mental health legislation, rights and safeguarding
• Assess risk and need using trauma-informed, holistic and anti-oppressive practice
• Work directly with patients, families and victims to support engagement, safety and recovery
• Lead safeguarding activity and work with external agencies such as local authorities and MAPPA
• Contribute to MDT discussions, service improvement, governance and accurate record-keeping
• Support team duties including rota tasks, student supervision and AMHP work (if applicable).

Essential

• Degree in Social Work or DipSW or CQSW
• Social Work England registration
• Post-qualifying training (with again formally or through evidenced on-the-job training) in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health
• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development

Desirable

• AMHP qualification
• Qualifications relating to the Mental Capacity Act, e.g. Best Interest Assessor
• Relevant training in group work, family therapy, substance misuse interventions, or offence work

Essential

• Experience of working with individuals with mental health problems
• Experience of multidisciplinary team working, and promoting a social work/social care perspective
• Experience of presenting reports in formal setting, e.g. First Tier Tribunals Mental Health and Associate Hospital Managers Hearings
• Experience in risk assessment and risk management
• Experience in collaborative care planning
• Experience in working with families
• Experience of child and adult Safeguarding with mental health patients and their families
• Experience in supporting and training others on Social Work or AMHP placements

Desirable

• Experience of working in an inpatient forensic mental health setting
• Experience of working with offenders
• Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis
• Experience of working with adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Essential

• Knowledge of particular aspects of the Mental Health Act and its associated Code of Practice, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and criminal justice legislation relevant to Forensic Mental Health Social Work
• Detailed knowledge of identifying Responsible Local Authorities, Section 117 MHA, MAPPA, Victim Liaison, Carers' Rights and child and adult Safeguarding
• Written and verbal communication skills to engage with patients, carers and professionals of various levels of seniority across health and social care
• Knowledge of how to work effectively with professional networks to foster collaborative approaches and achieve results

Desirable

• Specialist knowledge in engaging with people with personality disorder and forensic histories
• Group facilitation skills

Essential

• Interpersonal skills to manage highly complex emotional situations
• Analytic and judgement skills, dealing with highly complex situations where required to express professional social work opinions
• Ability to work with considerable professional autonomy as a solo social worker in a multidisciplinary team
• Planning and organisational skills to manage a caseload and meet deadlines
• Ability to undertake all statutory and mandatory training, including Breakaway (subject to Occupational Health clearance)