Mental Health Social Worker: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Mental Health Social Worker – MHUCD

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a mental health Social Worker in our MHUCD.

The Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD) is a place where anyone in Essex, aged 18 and above, who is in a mental health crisis can receive an urgent biopsychosocial assessment and immediate care planning. It is a purpose built department based at the Basildon Mental Health Unit on the Basildon Hospital site.

The department will offer a calm and therapeutic mental health setting to see the majority of urgent/emergency mental health presentations and represent an improvement on the service previously offered in busy emergency departments.

Main duties of the job

Social workers within the Mental Health Urgent Care Department (MHUCD) provide a person-centred, strengths-based approach to care, with a focus on the psychosocial factors that impact an individual’s mental health, wellbeing, and behaviour.

Within assessment and intervention, social workers will:

• Identify and address social determinants of mental health, including social exclusion and its impact on wellbeing (e.g. housing instability, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation)

• Contribute to biopsychosocial assessments, ensuring that social context is fully integrated into risk assessment, formulation, and care planning

• Support access to appropriate social care services and community resources

• Where safeguarding concerns are identified, social workers will:

• Lead on safeguarding processes, in line with Trust safeguarding policies and statutory responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice, guidance, and consultation to the multidisciplinary team (MDT)

• Ensure timely referral, escalation, and coordination with relevant safeguarding agencies

Social workers in the MHUCD (Mental Health Urgent Care Department) will lead and engage with carers, children and family members, in discussion around their own support needs, and how they can support the vulnerable person to promote recovery and social inclusion

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• Possession of recognised Social Work Qualification – Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
• Registered with Social Work England

Desirable

• Studying or willingness to study towards full Post Qualification Award in Social Work

Knowledge

Essential

• Multi-disciplinary Social Care experience within multi-disciplinary team – relevant to people with mental health difficulties.
• Knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice as defined by Social Work England and appropriate legislation and guidance.
• Working knowledge of The Care Act and other key legislation.

Desirable

• A variety of experiences working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Supervisory experience

Closing Date: 22 November 2026