Job Summary
Social Workers in the mental health team at Grove View Health and Care Hub provide high‑quality social care services to adults experiencing mental ill‑health in Leighton Buzzard.
The role is part of a multidisciplinary team and involves assessment, care planning and coordination of care from a social perspective. Examples of responsibilities include liaison with acute inpatient units, the Crisis Team, primary care services, the voluntary sector and private providers, participation in discharge planning and commissioning of health and social care services as required.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide comprehensive Care Act assessments and reviews for people with complex health and social care needs.
* Promote the use of direct payments in commissioning service user and carer plans.
* Conduct safeguarding enquiries, prepare safeguarding reports and protect vulnerable adults and children.
* Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records in the service users Electronic Patient Record.
* Attend reflective practice sessions and pursue post‑qualifying training to meet Social Work England standards.
* Offer management and reflective supervision to newly qualified Social Workers and Support Workers, and support the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme.
* Possibly undertake or support Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) duties and training.
* Adhere to Trust policies, procedures and additional delegated responsibilities.
* Perform any additional duties identified by the line manager.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience working within a multidisciplinary environment and community setting.
* Experience attending funding panels and commissioning care packages.
* Experience in an NHS/Local Authority environment and understanding of related policies and practice.
* Post‑qualification experience in mental health services (desirable).
* Previous appointment as AMHP or Best Interest Assessor (BIA) (desirable).
Knowledge / Skills
* Comprehensive understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent amendments.
* Strong safeguarding and risk assessment skills.
* Capability to commission and manage health and social care services.
* Proficiency with Direct Payment commissioning.
* Maintain accurate electronic records.
* Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional development.
Essential Criteria
* Registered Social Worker with Social Work England.
* Possession of a full driving licence; must be able to travel between Trust sites.
* Flexible working hours to meet service needs.
* Proactive, self‑motivated, team‑player who can negotiate and lead across multi‑professional teams.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
* Strong leadership and change‑management orientation.
Desirable Criteria
* Degree level education.
* Relevant specialist post‑qualifying or postgraduate training.
* In-depth working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983.
* Experience of acting as a Practice Educator and ASYE assessor.
* Willingness to undertake AMHP training.
Employing the diverse Bedfordshire community, the role offers an inclusive working environment that supports professional growth and, where appropriate, offers training for Model and monitoring opportunities.
Advert closed: Tuesday 14 Apr 2026.
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