Forensic Social Worker

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated social worker to join the Multi-Disciplinary Team based at the Chichester Centre, a low secure hospital managed by the Forensic Healthcare Service (FHS), to cover maternity leave.  You will be part of the wider FHS social work team, working alongside people with mental health issues and challenging or offending behaviour, their friends and families and their professional network to develop care pathways.

As a Social Worker in the FHS, you must be motivated and hard working with a passion for delivering high quality care. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to effective team working, have excellent communication, assessment and risk management skills and be prepared to be actively involved in interventions to prepare people for discharge to the community. In return we offer a stimulating and supportive work environment, supervision, opportunities for personal and professional development, full trust induction and training.

Main duties of the job

• Provide for the social care needs of patients with challenging behaviours and/or offending behaviour detained on the ward in conditions of low security. •    As part of multi-disciplinary team attend ward rounds and CPA's and undertake related work. •    Carry out a range of social work responsibilities within framework of NHS and Community Care Act. •    With training and support, develop an understanding of the legal duties as related to this client group including MHA 1983 (Part III), DVCA 2004 and MCA 2005. •    With training and support, develop excellent report writing skills and the ability to prepare and present evidence to statutory bodies such as MHT's, Ministry of Justice and Parole Board. •    With training and support, develop an understanding of multi-agency working in relation to risk management including information sharing protocols in the interest of public protection. •    Liaise with families, friends and social networks to gather information and to offer support and sign posting where appropriate. •    Understand, respect and work within Protected Characteristics of Equalities Act 2010.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To attend multi disciplinary ward meetings, CPA reviews, admission and discharge care planning.
• Bring knowledge of social care issues to the multi disciplinary team.
• Advise team through knowledge of MHA, MCA and on Safeguarding.
• Obtain and provide welfare benefit advice to patients.
• Deliver psychotherapeutic intervention with other members of the team.
• Visit out of area placements to monitor provision and plan care pathways.
• Visit high secure hospitals to assess with other members of team suitability of transfer to conditions of less security.
• Write reports and give evidence to MHT.