Lead with Compassion, Care with Purpose

Woodleigh Community Hospital is a welcoming, open community-based facility committed to enabling men and women with mental health needs to flourish in an environment that balances clinical expertise, kindness, and person-centred support. With 23 beds available, Woodleigh Community provides vital rehabilitation and holistic care for individuals who often present with additional ongoing physical health needs. We believe that empowering our residents to access opportunities and engage meaningfully with the wider community is a cornerstone of the recovery journey, and we are proud of our 15-year track record of helping people lead happier, more independent lives.

We are seeking a caring and dedicated Social Worker to join our team!

Job purpose

To be responsible under the terms of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 (S47) and the Care Programme Approach, for assessing the social care needs of people with learning disabilities and/or complex mental health needs and who are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

The postholder will manage and support a caseload of patients within our low secure services presenting with complex mental health and social care needs.

The post holder will also act as Safeguarding Lead for the hospital, leading the MDT on Safeguarding issues.

This is an autonomous role within a broad MDT who will work jointly in achieving the best outcomes for our patient.

Key Duties

(not an exhaustive list in relation to responsibilities)

• Liaised with external agencies to enable them to fulfil their statutory duties, for example: MAPPA, Local Authority Social Services, CMHT, FOLS, Police and Probation.
• Support carers and families of detained patients.
• Build a strong rapport with patients across the hospital and support in identifying and actioning any social care needs that may be a barrier to progression/discharge.
• To assist patients to obtain their full entitlement to benefits and to maintain a high level of knowledge and expertise in this area.
• Act as financial appointee for patients if required
• Lead the multidisciplinary teams on non-medical mental capacity issues and best interest decisions
• Lead on potentially complex Safeguarding issues across the hospital and lead/support the team in investigations.
• Support the clinical leadership in delivering Safeguarding training across the hospital.
• Ensure strong links with the local authority in relation to Safeguarding.
• Report on relevant activity for Clinical Governance.
• Act as ‘appropriate adult’ in respect of PACE interviews and procedures.

Qualifications

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Experience

Experience in working within a mental health setting.

Skills

Sound Safeguarding Knowledge and appropriate qualification.

Sound knowledge of Mental Health Act 1983.

Sound knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act.