Hackney - QSW - Mental Health Team

Hackney Council is seeking a Qualified Social Worker to join its Mental Health Crisis Team. This position involves working directly with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, supporting them to stabilize their circumstances and regain independence. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will collaborate with health professionals to address the social determinants of mental health crises and facilitate access to appropriate support services.

The role emphasizes a co-productive approach, meaning you will work closely with service users and their families to ensure interventions are tailored to individual needs and focused on sustainable outcomes. The aim is to prevent further escalation, reduce hospital admissions, and maintain community independence.

Key Responsibilities
1. Direct Support & Intervention
Crisis Intervention: Respond quickly to urgent mental health situations, offering timely intervention to stabilize individuals in crisis.
Case Management: Manage a diverse caseload, providing practical and emotional support to service users and their families.
Strength-Based Approach: Use strength-based, person-centered approaches to develop support plans tailored to the needs and goals of each service user.
Direct Work: Undertake direct work with service users and their families to promote well-being, resilience, and stability.
2. Collaborative Working
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside mental health nurses, psychiatrists, and other health professionals to deliver coordinated support.
Family Engagement: Engage with families and carers, offering guidance, advice, and emotional support, ensuring they have access to necessary services.
Community Engagement: Build relationships with local community resources and partners, promoting access to education, employment, and community services.
3. Assessment, Planning & Review
Holistic Assessments: Conduct comprehensive Care Act 2014 assessments to understand service users needs, risks, and strengths.
Care Planning: Develop and implement care plans that aim to prevent crisis escalation and support recovery.
Safeguarding: Identify and act on any safeguarding concerns, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected in line with statutory obligations.
Reviews & Monitoring: Regularly review support plans to ensure they remain relevant, updating plans as needed to meet changing needs.
4. Legal, Policy & Compliance
Legislation Adherence: Ensure practice is aligned with relevant legislation, such as:
Care Act 2014
Mental Health Act 1983 (and amendments)
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Recording & Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely records of all casework, ensuring that progress and decisions are well documented.
Risk Assessment: Assess and manage risks for service users, family members, and the wider community.
About You - Skills, Knowledge & Experience
To excel in this role, you will need, Hybrid Working: Flexible working options, including remote working and on-site support as required.
Supportive Team Environment: Join a dedicated, compassionate, and experienced team that focuses on person-centered care.
Continuous Development: Access to professional development and training opportunities.
Career Progression: Opportunities to progress into Senior Practitioner, Team Manager, or Specialist roles.
How to Apply
If you have the experience and passion to support individuals in mental health crises, Hackney Council would love to hear from you.

Social Work Qualification (BA, MA, Diploma, or equivalent).
Social Work England Registration (essential).
Essential Experience
Experience in Mental Health Social Work, particularly in crisis intervention or emergency response.
Knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983, and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Proven ability to work with individuals in distress and crisis, showing empathy, patience, and resilience.
Experience supporting individuals with mental health issues and working with families to achieve co-produced outcomes.
Key Skills & Competencies
Assessment & Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct holistic assessments and create effective care plans.
Risk Management: Confidence in handling safeguarding concerns and escalating them appropriately.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Proven experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with external stakeholders.
IT Skills: Proficiency in using case management systems to maintain up-to-date records.