Deputy Lead Social Worker

Deputy Lead Social Worker

Location: BerkshireSalary: Up to £48,000 per annum

Job type: Permanent, Full-TimeSponsorship: This employer may consider sponsoring applicants who meet the necessary qualifications and experience requirements.

About the role:

The successful applicant will join a dedicated team at a specialist mental health service that provides forensic mental health care. Working within a multidisciplinary team, this role involves managing a caseload of service users, completing assessments and reports, and contributing to safeguarding initiatives.

As a Deputy Lead Social Worker, you will support the social work team and provide supervision and guidance to junior staff members. You will also play a key role in leading on adult safeguarding and promoting recovery-focused care, encouraging service users to actively engage in their treatment plans.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the social work team in leading on child and adult safeguarding matters.
• Deputise for the Lead Social Worker in quality assurance meetings.
• Deliver safeguarding induction and update training across the service.
• Provide guidance on non-medical mental capacity issues and best interest decisions.
• Offer supervision and appraisals to junior and senior social workers.
• Liaise with external agencies such as local authorities, police, and probation.
• Support carers and families of detained service users.

Requirements:

• Degree in Social Work.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Experience working in forensic or secure mental health settings.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding protocols.
• Experience supervising and mentoring other social work professionals.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary up to £48,000.
• Equivalent of 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), plus an additional day off on your birthday.
• Free on-site meals and parking.
• Wellbeing support and initiatives for a balanced work-life environment.
• Career development opportunities with access to further training.
• Pension contributions.
• Life assurance for financial security.
• Enhanced maternity package.
• Employee discounts, car leasing schemes, and additional benefits.