Deputy Lead Social Worker – Forensic Mental Health Location: West Berkshire
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Are you a qualified Social Worker with leadership experience in secure mental health settings? An established independent healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Lead Social Worker for one of its specialist mental health services in West Berkshire. This role offers an excellent opportunity to support service users on their recovery journey while mentoring a small team and helping shape clinical best practice.
In this senior position, you’ll support the delivery of high-quality social work within a secure and structured environment. The service supports adults with complex mental health needs across several wards, including secure and acute care settings.
As Deputy Lead, you’ll manage your own caseload while supervising junior team members, contributing to safeguarding and capacity decisions, and working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team.
Provide supervision, mentorship, and appraisal to social work colleagues
Lead on adult safeguarding, capacity assessments, and best interest decisions
Coordinate key processes including CPAs, tribunals, and discharge planning
Liaise with external stakeholders such as social care, MAPPA, police, and probation
Deliver safeguarding training and contribute to audit and quality initiatives
Support families and carers throughout the care pathway
A recognised qualification in Social Work
Registration with Social Work England
Experience within forensic, secure, or complex mental health services
A strong understanding of safeguarding and capacity legislation
33 days annual leave including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
~ Free on-site meals and parking
~ Comprehensive wellbeing programme
~ Company pension and life assurance
~ Career development opportunities with access to funded training
~ Staff discounts, car leasing options, and more