Specialist Community Forensic Practitioner
The closing date is 11 June 2026
This post is for qualified nurses or social workers. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be accepted.
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 developing service 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.
Main duties of the job
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; to engage in care planning, relapse prevention and to address potential challenges after discharge.
About us
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 champion networks.
* We provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% 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
* Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Job responsibilities
The role will be embedded within a multi‑disciplinary team with a specific focus on 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 provide care coordination for a small caseload and contribute to the development of robust risk assessments and care plans. They will 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.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Professional qualification in mental health (RMN) with 12 months post‑qualification or possession of a recognised social work qualification – degree in social work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
* Degree level or working towards it.
* Evidence of post‑qualification training.
* Certificate in cognitive behavioural therapy, brief solution‑focused therapy, or similar.
Knowledge
* Understanding of 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.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of current legislation and government policy.
* Understanding the principles and practice of leadership, supervision and management.
* 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.
Skills & Experience
* Experience working as a band 5 (at least 12 months post basic experience).
* Evidence of coordinating care for a group of service users.
* Experience assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care.
* Ability to analyse and present complex information to professional colleagues.
* Ability to set clear objectives, prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
* Experience working within secure environments.
* Understanding of the principles of recovery.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission of a Disclosure and Barring Service check to disclose any previous criminal convictions.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a year, plus 5% high cost allowance.
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