Specialist Community Forensic Practitioner

Go back Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 09 April 2026

This post is for qualified social workers. Any applications that do not meet this criteria we cannot accept

We are looking for an experienced mental health practitioner (social worker) with experience in the community and forensic fields to join the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT). This is a developing service that has been set up in response to the NHS New Care Models to improve the care of service users within the forensic mental health system. The SCFT works with mental health offenders from the Essex area who are being cared for within medium and low secure mental health units, primarily in Essex.

The SCFT provides a period of 'in-reach' work with our service users for six to nine months prior to discharge with the aim of building good therapeutic relationships; with the aim to engage in them, in care planning, relapse prevention work and addressing potential challenges after discharge.

The successful candidate will work with the rest of the MDT and act as social supervisor/care coordinator for a small caseload approximately 10-12 service users through the care system pathway from secure placement to community setting in self-contained accommodation, 24 hour supported care and intensive enablement placements.

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Work bank:
  You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share:
  Applications for job shares are welcomed.

The post holder has the responsibility of providing and enhancing services for individuals in secure settings pre, during and post discharge to support timely transitions to community settings.

The role will be embedded within a Multi-disciplinary team with a specific focus of expediting the safe, smooth discharge of service users specifically within Brockfield House and other secure services to a range of appropriate community placements. The post holder will be expected to provide care co-ordination for a small caseload and contribute to the development of robust risk assessments and care plans.

The post holder would be required to attend regular inpatient reviews to monitor the progress of service users and to ensure that any potential delay to discharge is addressed at the earliest opportunity. The team will support clients across Essex.

The post holder is also expected to contribute and support the day to day operational management of the SCFT.

• Professional Qualification in recognised Social Work Qualification - Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent with 12 months post qualification
• Evidence of post qualification training
• Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, or similar.

• Understanding of their responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Understanding responsibilities under the Care Programme Approach, Mental Capacity Act, Clinical Governance, Safeguarding, Risk Assessment and Child Protection Legislation
• Demonstrate an up to date knowledge of current legislation and government policy.
• Understanding the principles and practice of leadership, supervision and management.
• Knowledge and skills to deliver a range of therapeutic interventions in a community setting
• Ability to work on own initiative and manage time effectively
• Evidence of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and maintain professional relationships within the MDT
• Evidence of supporting daily living and community networking
• Evidence of continuing professional/personal development
• Knowledge of community mental health services.
• Knowledge of forensic mental health services
• Knowledge of statutory and non-statutory organisations in Essex.

• Evidence of co-ordinating care for a group of service users.
• Experience of and ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care
• Ability to analyses and present complex information to professional colleagues
• Evidence of personal leadership…