Social Worker (Entry Level)

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for recently qualified Social Workers who have a career interest in Forensic Social Work.

West London Forensic Service, as part of West London Health Trust, is responsible for the in-patient treatment of adults detained under the Mental Health Act, who require medium or low levels of security in order to protect others and themselves. This includes providing a Social Work Service to the Women's Enhanced Medium Secure Service, (WEMSS). The service has benefited from a recent redevelopment programme that has resulted in a new, purpose built, medium secure unit, Thames Lodge.

The post will include working with a small protected caseload, balanced with learning and development opportunities within the service to develop the key skills and knowledge required for this interesting area of Social Work. You will be supported through your Assessed Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), with completion being a requirement of these posts. You will have the benefit of regular supervision and mentoring and will have protected time to complete any ASYE requirements.

As a newly qualified Social Worker, you will be joining a well-established and integrated Social Work department, that has a proven track record in the development of team members from students to experienced practitioners.

Main duties of the job

West London NHS Trust, delivers a forensic social work service across medium and low levels of security, covering a large London geographical area. We work within well-resourced multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to risk assessment and care planning from admission to discharge.

We address the social care needs of patients within our services. Social Workers operate to the Forensic Mental Health Social Work: Capabilities Framework (2016) with opportunities for working across a number of specialist areas.

As a recently qualified Social Worker, you will benefit from a balance of casework, alongside learning and development of skills and practice, with a versatile arrangement of learning and practice development opportunities. You will develop your understanding and application of relevant risk assessment and risk management models, effective MDT working and the legal frameworks associated with forensic social work.

The role will involve direct patient work, undertaking statutory assessments and writing formal reports, identifying and actioning safeguarding processes as well as working directly with families and carers. Forensic Social Work involves developing skills in multi disciplinary practice and working with other agencies including MAPPA Chairs, Probation Service, the Victim Contact Scheme as well as Adult and Children and Families Social Work colleagues.

About us

Working for a forward thinking and expanding NHS Trust you will have access to a comprehensive induction programme, excellent training opportunities, and the opportunity to develop your skills, professional interests and career. You will be further supported through individual supervision and personal development planning working for a Trust which understands Social Work values and has qualified Social Workers employed at every level, including in senior management. There is a Trustwide Social Work forum that meets regularly, allowing Social Workers to be supported in their practice, keep up to date with local and national initiatives and to develop their understanding of Social Work roles across the Trust. Additionally, visits to other services within the Trust and beyond are encouraged.