Social Worker, Mental Health

This social worker post sits in the Wirral-based community mental health teams of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, an all-age adult mental health service. The work centres on supporting adults with mental health needs, managing risk and safeguarding while promoting independence and choice under mental health and capacity law. The caseload is capped, the team is integrated with health colleagues, and travel is central, with future AMHP training possible.

Applicants need at least two years' post-qualification experience and Social Work England registration.

• Manage a capped caseload of adults with mental health needs
• Use social work methods to promote positive change, independence and wellbeing in line with assessed need
• Promote choice and control for adults and carers
• Manage risk and safeguard adults, treating safeguarding as a priority
• Make sure individual needs and aspirations are supported
• Apply the Care Act, Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated codes of practice
• Apply the Children Act 1989 in practice
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team alongside health colleagues
• Travel across the service as needed, which is essential to the role
• Keep accurate, timely case recordings using IT
• Develop professionally in the area of mental health

• Social work qualification, such as a degree in social work or DipSW
• Evidence of continuing professional development in line with the PCF
• Willingness to undertake the practice educator award

• Registered with Social Work England, with evidence

• At least two years' post-qualification experience
• Working with vulnerable individuals, families and carers
• Arranging support plans and/or packages of care
• Working with partner agencies in a professional capacity

• Knowledge of MHA 1983, MCA 2005, Care Act 2014, DDA 1995 and safeguarding
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
• Sound assessment and interviewing skills
• Verbal and written communication, and organisational skills

• DBS check, paid for by the applicant and deducted from salary after appointment

• Demonstrates the Trust values, the 6 Cs: commitment, communication, care, courage, compassion, competency
• Willingness to move across teams as service needs require
• Access to transport for travel

• Relevant post-qualifying or vocational training
• Experience of working with older adults with mental health needs
• Experience of BIA, DOLS or Court of Protection work
• Experience of complex safeguarding
• Experience of working in a local authority setting
• Experience of working in a multi-agency team
• Emotional intelligence and developing emotional resilience
• Experience of working with a range of families with different needs

• Capped caseload
• Support for ongoing development in mental health
• Future opportunities to train as an AMHP
• Up to three weeks' induction training through Prepare to Care