Overview
Ampthill CMHT provides compassionate person-centred interventions to people experiencing mental ill-health in Central Bedfordshire. The team is a multi-disciplinary team with a strong social care presence and ethos. ELFT offers expert support from the Senior Social Worker and team leadership, regular reflective practice sessions, and continuous professional development opportunities. The Social Work Learning and Development Project Lead supports continuous learning, and ELFT runs an established ASYE programme for newly qualified social workers, with CPD pathways beyond ASYE. It is an exciting time to be working as a social worker for ELFT in Central Bedfordshire.
Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Social Worker to join our team. You will be registered with Social Work England and ideally have one year of post-qualifying experience in a relevant health or social care setting. We are also happy to consider a newly qualified social worker who can demonstrate how their pre-qualifying experience and value base would benefit our team through our ASYE programme.
Responsibilities
* Work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide high quality social care services to adults experiencing mental ill-health.
* Undertake assessments, care planning and coordination of care from a social perspective for adults accessing the service.
* Hold a caseload of adults with a wide range of mental health and social care needs; reflect on practice and maintain continuing professional development in line with Social Work England standards.
* Engage with the ASYE, with opportunities to train as an ASYE assessor and to develop as a Practice Educator or AMHP/Leadership pathway where appropriate.
* Collaborate with acute inpatient units, the Crisis Team, Primary Care, and voluntary/private sectors; contribute to a recovery-focused model of care.
* Play an active role in discharge planning and commission health and social care services as required; participate in partnership work to ensure local services support individual recovery journeys.
* Provide management and reflective supervision to newly qualified Social Workers and Support Workers; support ASYE development.
* Be willing to undertake AMHP training and participate in reflective practice sessions; ensure regular supervision and ongoing practice reflection.
* Adhere to Trust policies and procedures; undertake additional training as required and carry out other duties as directed by the line manager.
Person specification
* Experience – Essential: experience in a multi-disciplinary environment/community; experience attending funding panels and commissioning care packages; experience in NHS/Local Authority settings and understanding related issues, policies and practice.
* Desirable: post-qualification experience in mental health services; previous AMHP/BIA experience; social workers expected to train and practise as AMHPs.
Knowledge/Skills
* Undertake comprehensive Care Act assessments and reviews for people with complex health and social care needs; assess appropriately against Care Act 2014 criteria.
* Promote adult safeguarding practice; undertake safeguarding enquiries and contribute to care plans that protect adults and children from abuse.
* Ensure appropriate health and social care services are commissioned for service users; promote Direct Payments for care and support plans.
* Undertake regular risk assessments to keep vulnerable people safe; maintain accurate records in the Electronic Patient Record.
* Attend reflective practice sessions and access post-qualifying training to maintain Social Work England registration.
* Provide management and reflective supervision to newly qualified Social Workers and ASYE staff; support ASYE development and assessment where relevant.
* Be willing to undertake AMHP training and supervise own practice as a social worker and AMHP; participate in regular supervision and reflection.
* Carry out delegated social care duties and adhere to Trust policies; undertake additional training as required.
* Desirable: knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent amendments.
Educational / Qualifications
* Essential: Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
* Desirable: Degree level education; relevant specialist post-qualifying/postgraduate training.
Personal Qualities
* Team player; able to negotiate and lead other professionals while considering competing views.
* Able to work independently with initiative and seek guidance when required; self-motivated and open to new ideas.
* Committed to equal opportunities and equality/diversity; anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
* Committed to core social work values; recognise when protection is required and carry it out in the least restrictive manner while upholding human and civil rights.
* Commitment to leadership and change management.
Additional information
This advert closes on Monday 8 Sep 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr