Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Community Forensic Practitioner
The closing date is 24 October 2025
This post is for qualified nurses or social workers. Any applications that do not meet this criteria we cannot accept
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 is a developing service that 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; with the aim to engage in them, in care planning, relapse prevention work and addressing potential challenges after discharge.
About us
The successful candidate will work with the rest of the MDT and act as social supervisor/care coordinator for a small caseload approximately 10-12 service users through the care system pathway from secure placement to community setting in self-contained accommodation, 24 hour supported care and intensive enablement placements.
Join our Staff bank
What is Staff Bank?
Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.
All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.
If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
Job responsibilities
The post holder has the responsibility of providing and enhancing services for individuals in secure settings pre, during and post discharge to support timely transitions to community settings.
The role will be embedded within a Multi-disciplinary team with a specific focus of 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 be expected to provide care co-ordination for a small caseload and contribute to the development of robust risk assessments and care plans. The post holder would be required to 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 recognised Social Work Qualification - Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent / Professional Qualification in Mental Health (RMN) with 12 months post qualification
* Evidence of post qualification training
* Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, or similar.
Knowledge
* Understanding of their 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
* Demonstrate an up to date knowledge of current legislation and government policy.
* Understanding the principles and practice of leadership, supervision and management.
* Knowledge and skills to deliver a range of therapeutic interventions in a community setting
* Ability to work on own initiative and manage time effectively
* Evidence of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and maintain professional relationships within the MDT
* Evidence of supporting daily living and community networking
* 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
* Evidence of co-ordinating care for a group of service users.
* Experience of and ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care
* Ability to analyses and present complex information to professional colleagues
* Evidence of personal leadership skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively through verbal/written communication
* Literate in IT/Computer Skills
* Ability to inspire confidence in service users, carers and junior staff.
* Ability to set clear objectives/targets and prioritise workload and competing demands.
* Form sound assessments directly and indirectly from knowledge of others at work.
* Ability to build relationships and negotiate satisfactory outcomes.
* Understanding the impact of culture, social and health beliefs and opportunities on service users.
* Experience of working within secure environments
* Understanding the principals of recovery.
Personal Qualities
* Shares the Trust's beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour:
* Ensures that the organisational values of open, compassionate and empowering are demonstrated by self and others every day and that any matters of concern are addressed in a timely way, either directly; or raised with the relevant Line Manager; or through the relevant processes within the Trust as appropriate
* Ability to work in an open manner as part of a team with a commitment to sharing and working alongside staff in own and other organisations, whilst at the same time recognising your own clinical responsibility and limitations.
* Demonstrates Energy, enthusiasm and resilience.
* Commitment to enhance own and staff development.
* Genuine commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
* Excellent organisational skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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