About this role
Job summary
Forensic Intensive Support Team (FIRST) have an exciting opportunity for experienced Mental Health Social Workers to deliver a statutory social work service to mentally disordered offenders.
The vacancy is for a social worker with experience in mental health social work (two years post qualifying). (Band 6)
The post is offered as a 12-month fixed term contract
Forensic social workers provide statutory social work to hospital inpatients in secure care and social supervision to restricted community patients under the Ministry of Justice.
The forensic service is working in a climate of change so requires flexible working practices including working across sites to meet the challenges and opportunities in the NHS.
You will be joining a Multi-Disciplinary Team providing forensic services to Birmingham and the surrounding regional areas.
You will have knowledge of Mental Health Social Work and the legal framework of the Mental Health Act 2025, Criminal Justice and safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
Good written and verbal communication and an ability to prepare and present complex reports in a variety of settings.
You will have regular supervision and opportunities for professional development.
You must be registered with Social Work England and have a relevant Social Work qualification.
Candidates should have the ability to uphold anti-discriminatory social work practice and maintain clear boundaries in clinical and professional relationships.
Main duties of the job
To undertake the roles and responsibilities of a Social Supervisor in line with Ministry of Justice guidelines in conjunction with the Clinical Supervisor and Multi-Disciplinary Team
The Ministry of Justice expects all professionals working with restricted patients in the community to adopt a high level of professional curiosity.
To support the effective risk management of service users in the forensic care pathway
To prepare Social Circumstances Reports and attend Tribunals / Managers hearings under the Mental Health Act
Working directly with patients on the ward up to the point of discharge to ensure they have access to a social work service and will liaise with relevant community services to ensure the provision of a full range of appropriate support and social care services for the patient their family and carers.
To provide expertise in social care to multi-disciplinary teamwork in the service users discharge planning and secure care pathway.
To working with individual service users to reach recovery goals in the context of their mental illness and social circumstances.
To offer support and interventions to families and carers in the secure care pathway, working across inpatient and outpatient services.
About us
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Job description Job responsibilities
Undertaking the roles and responsibilities of a social supervisor.
To work within the legal framework surrounding statutory social care under Part 3 Mental Health Act.
To work with service users in accordance with the Guiding Principles of the Code of Practice and the Mental Health Act (1983), (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007)
Contributing and supporting the team in relation to Mental Health Act, social care assessments and complex packages of care.
To partake in seclusion reviews as other professional for patients within core hours at the discretion of the clinical team Forensic Social Work team lead.
To work within the Directorates Policies, Procedures and Processes with a range of Health and Social Care Professionals, including the Third Sector as well as families and carers of individuals under the care of the clinical team.
Managing a caseload of restricted community patients.
Lead in ensuring the team are aware of their responsibilities in relation to vulnerable adults.
1.9 Lead in ensuring the team are aware of their responsibilities in relation to adults and safeguarding.
We highly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Person Specification
Registraton Essential
Registered Social Work England
Desirable
Social work qualification
Experience Mental Health Essential
2 years post qualification mental health
Desirable
Forensic Mental Health
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 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).
Employer details Employer name Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address St Andrews Hospital
70 Dogpool Lane
Birmingham
B302XR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)