About this role
Job summary
Senior Forensic Social Worker (Band 7)
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker with experience of, or an interest in, forensic social work.
West London Forensic Service provides in-patient care for adults detained under the Mental Health Act in low and medium secure settings. The service supports recovery while ensuring safety for both service users and the wider community.
This role will focus on providing Social Work input within a low secure pre-discharge service. You will work as part of a well-established multi-disciplinary team, contributing to safeguarding, statutory reporting, carer support, and risk management.
The Trust is also leading a new NHS England initiative through the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT), supporting service users to transition from secure settings into the community, improving outcomes and quality of life.
Applications are welcomed from experienced Social Workers, including those outside forensic settings, who can demonstrate strong transferable skills.
You will join a supportive team, benefit from regular supervision, manageable caseloads, and access to development opportunities across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for applicants for a Senior Forensic Social Worker committed to working collaboratively with individuals and providers in the community to find positive and safe ways of working with people who use these services.
You will work as part of a service that will improve the lives of forensic mental health service users and their carers. This is a rare chance to be part of shaping a new service, providing opportunities to develop your skills and your career.
The applicant must have a qualification in Social work and Social Work England Registration
At WLNHST we don't just accept difference we actively celebrate it and support it for the benefit of our staff, our patients and our community. We are proud to be part of an equal opportunity work place.
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training Essential
Qualification in Social Work with current Social Work England Registration.
Desirable
Post Qualifying training and development
Experience / Knowledge and Skills Essential
The applicant must have a minimum of two years post graduate Social Work experience. The applicant must have two years post qualification experience in a mental health setting. The applicant must have experience of autonomous working as a social worker. oDemonstrate an ability to undertake assessments of risk using specific risk assessment tools. oDemonstrate an ability to formulate implement and evaluate programmes of care for those individuals in the Community Forensic Service and those being referred. oDemonstrate an ability to use a range of therapeutic interventions with clients who have a range of disorders that will include personality disorder dual diagnosis oDemonstrate knowledge of actuarial and clinical risk assessment and how this might be applied to the management of clients. oDemonstrate knowledge of Part 3 of the Mental Health Act and its application to Mentally Disordered Offenders. oDemonstrate knowledge of the Criminal Justice Act and its implication for the management of Forensic clients. oDemonstrate an ability to work with a range of organisations including Courts, Police and Probation, ministry of Justice. oDemonstrate good communication skills, especially listening, empathy, facilitation, persuasion, motivation, negotiation, education, and reassurance. oDemonstrate ability to lead projects and development of services oDemonstrate the ability to understand the role of the Community Forensic Service. oDemonstrate ability for cross cultural working ensuring whatever the cultural background of clients they are treated holistically oDemonstrate an ability to manage stress and competing demands prioritising appropriately oDemonstrate skills associated with good documentation. oAn ability to work as part of a team. oAbility to work in an autonomous manner
Desirable
Experience of community forensic working practises oDemonstrate ability to supervise staff oDemonstrate ability to lead on projects and audits. oDemonstrate an ability to teach. oDemonstrate a good understanding of CPA and its application. oDemonstrate an ability to communicate complex issues to users and carers.
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.
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 West London NHS Trust
Address St Bernard's Hospital
London
UB1 3EU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)