Community Mental Health Social Worker

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Community Mental Health Social Worker to join our team within the NHS or local authority mental health services. The role involves working with individuals in the community who are experiencing complex mental health difficulties. You will provide holistic support, including therapeutic interventions, care planning, and advocacy, to improve the overall mental health and well-being of clients in your caseload.

Key Responsibilities:

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Assessment and Intervention:

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Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, identifying individual needs and formulating tailored care plans.

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Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions to support clients’ mental health and recovery.

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Provide crisis intervention when required, helping clients to manage acute mental health crises in community settings.

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Case Management:

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Hold and manage a diverse caseload, including individuals with severe and enduring mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.

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Monitor and review clients’ progress, updating care plans and involving them in decision-making about their treatment.

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Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, and GPs, to provide integrated care.

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Safeguarding and Risk Management:

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Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring that clients and their families are protected from harm.

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Conduct risk assessments and develop risk management plans to ensure client safety and well-being.

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Work closely with clients and carers to promote safeguarding, mental health recovery, and access to services.

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Advocacy and Support:

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Act as an advocate for clients, promoting their rights and ensuring they have access to appropriate services.

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Provide practical and emotional support to clients, assisting with issues such as housing, benefits, and employment.

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Educate clients, families, and carers on mental health conditions and available resources.

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Collaboration and Partnership:

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Work in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations to ensure clients receive holistic care and support.

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Attend regular multi-agency meetings, including Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings, to coordinate services and review care plans.

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Liaise with local community organisations and health services to connect clients with additional resources.

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Documentation and Compliance:

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Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely records of client interactions, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with legal and professional standards (including the Care Act 2014).

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Ensure compliance with all safeguarding, equality, and confidentiality requirements as part of the role.

Qualifications and Experience:

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Essential:

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BA/MA in Social Work (or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England.

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At least 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in mental health, preferably in community-based settings.

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Sound knowledge of mental health diagnoses, treatment pathways, and relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) and the Care Act 2014.

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Experience in conducting assessments, managing complex caseloads, and working with individuals with severe and enduring mental health problems.

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Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a person-centred, recovery-focused approach.

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Ability to work independently, manage your time effectively, and prioritise work under pressure.

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Desirable:

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Experience in working with the NHS, local authorities, or voluntary sector mental health services.

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Experience in safeguarding, including working with vulnerable adults and children.

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Knowledge of local mental health services and community support networks.

Candidate requirements

The worker must be eligible to work in the UK

Must have Enhanced DBS

Must have 5 Years References/Work History

Must have Social Work England Registration