Forensic Social Worker

Forensic Social Worker

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated Forensic Social Worker to join our multi-disciplinary team, working across the Bracton Centre, Memorial Hospital, and our community services. This Band 6 role is vital for providing specialist social care to individuals with complex mental health needs and offending behaviours. You will act as a champion for recovery, navigating the intersection of the healthcare and criminal justice systems to ensure our clients and their carers receive the support, advocacy, and clear care planning they deserve.

Core Requirements and Skills

• Social Work Qualification and current Registration with Social Work England.

• Previous experience at NHS Band 5 (or equivalent) level.

• Experience of working with individuals with mental health problems and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System.

• Experience of writing and presenting Social Circumstances reports in legal settings (e.g., Mental Health Tribunals).

• Proven experience of working autonomously, facilitating assessments, and formulating complex outcomes.

• Deep understanding of relevant legislation: MHA 1983/2007, MCA 2005, and the Children Act.

• Ability to take a lead role in Safeguarding Adults and Children.

• Experience in advocating for service users and challenging oppressive practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Excellence: Gather complex information to provide social histories and risk analyses, developing robust risk management strategies for rehabilitation.

• Liaison & Coordination: Establish vital links with Local Authorities to secure funding for care packages and facilitate timely discharges.

• Social Supervision: Manage a caseload of conditionally discharged patients in the community, acting as a Care Co-ordinator under CPA.

• Professional Leadership: Support the development of the next generation of social workers by acting as a practice teacher for students.

Joining Oxleas means joining a Trust that is “Kind, Fair, and Listens.” We are a major provider of prison and forensic health services across South East London and Kent, offering you a unique platform to develop a professional portfolio that meets the highest standards of the field. With a salary up to £52,521 (inc. HCAS), this role provides the opportunity to engage in truly transformative therapeutic work.