Forensic Social Worker

Forensic social work is a fascinating field where you can develop all aspects of your social work knowledge in a way that compliments your practice and experience for future roles. You will bring recovery, trauma and social care perspectives to inpatients in High Secure Services.

Whilst it is desirable for candidates to have experience working within forensic or mental health settings, we welcome applications from qualified/experienced Social Workers from other areas, where they can demonstrate strong transferability of skills.

As a forensic social worker you will have access to highly specialist training and development opportunities. You will receive training in risk assessment tools in relation to public protection, safeguarding and clinical risk. There are also opportunities to participate in research, policy development and engagement strategies.

Forensic social work allows practitioners to bring their core social work values into life, through in-depth work and analysis with the patient, families and carers.

As a Forensic Social worker you will deepen your knowledge of forums including: - MAPPA; Victim Liaison Services; PREVENT; Ministry of Justice; UK Borders Agency; Police; Prison and Probation Services; Integrated Care Boards; Local Authorities and many more. You will convey detailed social work analysis in a meaningful way that promotes safe care, treatment and discharge.

Main duties of the job

You will be an expert within the MDT providing meaningful social models and influence to clinical assessments. You will use your social work values to inform complex forensic risk assessments within MDTs. You will provide comprehensive social work with families and carers.

You will provide expert knowledge of the Care Act to guide MDTs in all aspects of care planning. You will use your knowledge of the Care Act to liaise with Local Authorities and ensure that needs are assessed and met. You will advise and guide MDT colleagues in: - Child and Adult Safeguarding; S.117 Aftercare/RLA responsibilities; MAPPA and Victim Liaison Schemes.

You will represent the forensic social work teams to different agencies and forums and undertake extensive liaison with: - MAPPA; Victim Liaison Services; PREVENT; Ministry of Justice; UK Borders Agency; Police; Prison and Probation Services; Integrated Care Boards; Local Authorities and many more. You will convey detailed social work analysis in a meaningful way that promotes safe care, treatment and discharge.

You will provide detailed social work analysis and present your findings in specialised reports such as: - Social Histories; Admissions; Tribunals; and other formal processes.

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.