Assigned Forensic Social Worker - Mental Health

Job description

Job description

Internal DCC Employees Only
Secondment
Full time, 37 hours per week

Are you looking for an opportunity to broaden your social work practice, develop specialist skills, and gain experience in a unique and rewarding forensic mental health setting?

We are delighted to offer a six-month secondment within our highly regarded and well-established Social Work Team at Langdon Hospital. This is an excellent development opportunity for an experienced social worker looking to enhance their professional portfolio, gain exposure to forensic mental health practice, and work alongside highly skilled multi-disciplinary colleagues.

The opportunity comes at an exciting time for the team. A previous secondment opportunity advertised last year supported a colleague to develop their skills, progress their career and secure a permanent opportunity in the team. This reflects our commitment to professional growth and workforce development.

Working within a secure forensic mental health setting, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals through some of the most significant stages of their recovery journey. This is a role that combines statutory responsibilities with meaningful therapeutic social work, enabling you to build strong professional relationships and make a tangible difference to people's lives.

As part of the team, you will work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, responsible authorities, families, and partner agencies to support recovery-focused care, promote social inclusion, and help individuals achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our team is actively connected to the National Group of Social Work Managers in Secure Services, providing access to specialist practice resources, networking opportunities, and role-specific training to support your development.

Why Join Us?

This secondment offers a unique opportunity to:

• Gain valuable experience in a specialist forensic mental health environment.
• Develop and strengthen your knowledge of key legal and policy frameworks, including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, MAPPA and Section 117 aftercare.
• Enhance your assessment, risk management, report writing and court/tribunal skills.
• Work as part of an experienced and supportive multi-disciplinary team.
• Access specialist training, reflective practice and professional development opportunities.
• Expand your professional network across health, social care and criminal justice services.
• Make a real impact on the recovery, wellbeing and future outcomes of people using our services.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments and contribute to care planning and risk management. For individuals who are the responsibility of Devon County Council, this includes undertaking social care assessments under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act to support discharge planning.
• Act as a key link between the hospital, families, external agencies and criminal justice partners.
• Provide specialist social care advice and support in relation to safeguarding, capacity and relevant legal frameworks, including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, MAPPA and Victim Liaison processes.
• Prepare high-quality reports and contribute to Mental Health Tribunals, CPA reviews and discharge planning meetings.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver recovery-focused and least restrictive care.
• Ensure practice is compliant with legislation, national guidance and professional standards.
• Champion the social perspective and advocate for the rights, strengths and aspirations of people using services.

About You

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and resilient social worker who can bring curiosity, professionalism and a strong commitment to recovery-focused practice.

You will have:

• A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Experience of, or transferable skills relevant to, mental health, forensic or secure services.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, Care Act and MAPPA framework.
• Strong communication, advocacy, assessment and report-writing skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• A trauma-informed, strengths-based and rights-focused approach to practice.

What We Offer

• A welcoming, supportive and experienced social work team.
• Regular supervision, reflective practice and peer support.
• Access to specialist training and professional development opportunities.
• Valuable experience in a highly specialised area of social work practice.
• Modern facilities in a beautiful setting, with free on-site parking, gym facilities and a café.
• The opportunity to build skills and experience that will support future career progression.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to step into a specialist area of practice, broaden their experience and make a meaningful contribution within a respected forensic mental health service.

For an informal discussion, please contact Tom Woodd, Forensic Social Work Lead, at [email protected] or on 07976 155 314.

This post is being offered as a Secondment opportunity for 6 months (with a possibility to extend due to maternity cover requirement)

Please ensure you obtain agreement from your line manager prior to making an application, as this is essential for your application to be considered.

Please click here to view the Job Description

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages .
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice .
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page .
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

• This role requires a DBS disclosure
• This role requires Social Work England Registration (SWE).