Overview
This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside supportive colleagues within a multi-agency team, collaborating closely with the Dorset Forensic Team to deliver comprehensive care planning. The role involves responsibility for care management of individuals under the Dorset Forensic Team’s caseload. This includes people in secure forensic units, prisons, and the community. The social worker will need specialist knowledge of mental health and forensic services. The position also includes responsibility for social supervision and requires strong experience in effective risk management.
Responsibilities
Key duties include fulfilling responsibilities under the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Health Act 1983, completing assessments as part of an integrated service with the Dorset Forensic Team. The role requires attendance at MAPPA meetings, participation in virtual out-of-area MDTs and ward rounds, and conducting face-to-face visits in wards, prisons, and community settings to complete assessments. The social worker must maintain close communication with the Dorset Forensic Team to jointly assess risk and plan support for individuals across community, hospital, and prison settings, ensuring that any provision is safe and appropriate. Home visits and regular contact will vary depending on the support provided by the Dorset Forensic Team. When a patient is recalled or due for release or discharge, the social worker must be able to prioritise work effectively to meet the demands of the role, including completing reports and assessments and responding to the needs of adults open to the service. Occasionally, the social worker may also need to respond to wider mental health social care needs within Dorset Council, such as 117 reviews or providing advice and guidance for high-risk patients. The role also involves triaging referrals alongside the Dorset Forensic Team.
Location and Working Arrangements
The post will be based at the St Ann’s forensic office for a minimum of two days per week, with the option to work from home.
Qualifications and Requirements
* have a degree in social work/Occupational Therapy or equivalent
* be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
* be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post
About Us
At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.
We
* provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
* work in partnership to make a real difference
* value every role and the impact it has on our communities
* support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive
You Will
* be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
* have access to a range of benefits and support
* receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.
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