Forensic Social Worker: Sponsorship Available

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Job Summary

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated social worker to join the MDT, based at the Hellingly Centre (forensic medium secure inpatient service) You will be part of the wider FHS social work team, working alongside men and women with mental health issues and challenging or offending behaviour using a Trauma Informed approach. You will link in with their friends and families and their professional networks 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. You 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. Previous experience working in a forensic setting will be an advantage. In return, we offer a stimulating and supportive work environment, supervision, opportunities for personal and professional development, full trust induction and training.

We will also accept applicants who are seeking to undertake their ASYE at Band 5. Progression from Band 5 to 6 will depend upon successfully completing the ASYE programme as outlined in the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social Workers in Adult Services and the end of ASYE competencies outlined in the Forensic MH social work: capabilities framework. This would usually be expected to be completed within 12 months of starting.

 

Main duties of the job

1. To attend multi disciplinary ward meetings, CPA reviews, admission and discharge care planning.

2. Bring knowledge of social care issues to the multi disciplinary team.

3. Advise team through knowledge of MHA, MCA and on Safeguarding.

4. Obtain and provide welfare benefit advice to patients.

5. Deliver psychotherapeutic intervention with other members of the team.

6. Visit out of area placements to monitor provision and plan care pathways.

7. 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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised social work qualification (Degree/MA in Social Work)
  • Evidence of post registration training in relevant qualification

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of current NHS performance agenda
  • Significant experience of and demonstrable achievement in clinical practice
  • Experience of providing professional support/supervision and motivation of staff
  • Understanding of Mental Health Act, Care Act and other relevant legislation (Mental Capacity Act/Human Rights Act/etc)
  • Experience of managing staff

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).

Closing Date: 22 June 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.