Job Description
Social Worker - Prison Setting
* Location: Police Custody Suites or Courts
* Job Type: Full-time
Join our dedicated team as a Social Worker/ Clinical Reconnect Practitioner, where you will play a crucial role in reconnecting individuals with the community and support systems post-incarceration. This position is pivotal in reducing reoffending by addressing the health and social needs of service users, ensuring continuity of care through effective assessment and planning.
Day-to-day of the role:
* Work autonomously in various settings including prison, community, and police detention cells to screen and assess individuals with health needs leaving the prison establishment within a 12-week period or less.
* Utilize validated tools to assess health needs and inform decision-making, facilitating diversion within and out of the criminal justice pathway.
* Develop individualized support plans based on assessment findings to address health and social needs, contributing to the reduction of reoffending.
* Collaborate closely with probation and other key stakeholders to ensure effective assessment and avoid duplication of services.
* Make and facilitate referrals, gather and use information from various sources to prioritize service users based on health and/or justice processes.
* Provide supervision and support to junior team members, offering clinical advice to support ongoing assessments and care.
* Contribute to service development, governance, and audit schedules to ensure continuous improvement and high-quality care.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* Qualified Registered Mental Nurse, Mental Health Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist with current registration with the relevant professional body.
* Substantial evidence of continuing professional development and post-registration training.
* Experience working face-to-face with patients who have complex mental health conditions.
* Comprehensive understanding of psychosocial interventions, substance misuse services, and multi-disciplinary/multi-agency working.
* Excellent communication skills, non-judgmental and compassionate approach, and proficient IT skills.
* Knowledge of clinical governance, health and safety, and evidence-based health promotion.
Benefits:
* Opportunities for continuous professional development and support through an annual appraisal system.
* Engage in a role that directly contributes to the betterment of service users' lives and community safety.
* Work within a supportive team that values integrity, diversity, and striving for excellence.
Additional Information:
* This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
* Police and Prison Vetting as per Ministry of Justice guidelines.
* Applicants must have a clean driving license and be willing to travel as needed.