We are currently expanding the well‑established Countywide Early Intervention in Psychosis Team which provides a focussed and specific community service for the population of Bedfordshire and Luton in response to the needs of individuals and their families experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The team works across CAMH services and Adult Mental Health Services with an age range starting at 14 years.
Key Responsibilities
You will be a member of a multidisciplinary team, providing high‑quality social care services to adults experiencing mental ill‑health, including assessment, care planning and coordination from a social perspective. Your core duties include:
* Providing comprehensive Care Act assessments and reviews for people with complex health and social care needs.
* Leading the promotion of adult safeguarding practice and undertaking safeguarding enquiries.
* Commissioning appropriate health and social care services and promoting the use of Direct Payments in care plans.
* Conducting regular risk assessments and ensuring that vulnerable people remain safe.
* Maintaining accurate records on the service users’ Electronic Patient Record.
* Attending reflective practice sessions and undertaking further education to meet Social Work England standards.
* Providing management and reflective supervision to newly qualified Social Workers and Support Workers.
* Supporting newly qualified social workers through the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and, with opportunity, training as an ASYE assessor.
* Undertaking duties as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or undertaking AMHP training.
* Carrying out other tasks delegated by the Trust on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, and adhering to Trust policies and procedures.
In this role you will liaise with acute inpatient units, the Crisis Team, Primary Care services, voluntary and private sector, and contribute to a recovery‑focused model of care. You will play an active role in the discharge of service users from hospital and will collaborate to secure necessary services. Partnership working is key; you will innovate to ensure a range of suitable local services supports individual recovery journeys.
Qualifications & Experience
You will be registered with Social Work England and have at least one year of post‑qualifying experience in a relevant health or social care setting. You must hold a valid driving license and be able to use a car for business purposes. You will have:
* Experience working within a multi‑disciplinary environment / community.
* Experience attending funding panels and commissioning care packages.
* Experience working within an NHS/Local Authority environment and an understanding of the issues, policies and practice within these environments.
* Post‑qualification experience within mental health services.
* Previous appointment as an AMHP or Best Interest Assessor (BIA). Social workers are expected to train and practice as AMHPs.
* A thorough working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent amendments.
* Full driving licence and ability to travel between Trust sites throughout the county.
* Flexible working to support work/life balance and improve working lives.
Essential Criteria
* Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
* Educated to degree level.
* Relevant specialist post‑qualifying / post‑graduate training.
* Team player, able to negotiate and lead other professionals whilst considering competing views and agendas.
* Able to work independently, with initiative, but to seek appropriate guidance and supervision when required.
* Self‑motivated, committed and open to new ideas and experiences.
* Committed to equal opportunities, equality and diversity issues.
* Anti‑discriminatory & anti‑oppressive practice.
* Committed to core social work values, recognising when protection is required and ensuring it is carried out in the least restrictive manner, observing the human and civil rights of the individual.
* Commitment to leadership & change management.
Additional Information
Quality improvement is a key part of our work. We offer a fantastic opportunity for staff to learn, lead and contribute to improving services. Our Community provides a wide range of community health and mental health inpatient services to children, young people, adults of working age, and older adults in The City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Bedfordshire and Luton. We provide psychological therapy services to the London Borough of Richmond, and forensic services to the whole of North East London.
We welcome people with lived experience of health difficulties, with insight and understanding of different backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles in our population, as we believe this will equip staff to deliver a high standard of care. Diversity is central to our workforce. We strive to ensure that staff feel valued and support their career journey.
Body hours & flexibility: we are a flexible‑working friendly organisation and can support a flexible arrangement such as job share, part‑time or other flexible patterns. Our relocation scheme offers up to £10,000 for removal and associated expenses, subject to change under terms and conditions.
AI in applications: if you use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, add your own personal touch especially in the supporting information section. The Trust does not recommend relying only on AI and verifies references in the interview. Using AI during the interview is not allowed.
As a qualified Social Worker with a sound background of working in a Community Mental Health setting and Care Coordination within CPA, you will work flexibly, provide psychosocial interventions and undertake specialist assessments. We believe psychosis is treatable and recovery is expected.
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – we seek people who embody these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in relationships with colleagues and partners.
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