Prison Mental Health Social Worker

NHS; York; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Are you a registered social worker? Have you thought about working within prison mental health services?

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our mental health team at HMP Millsike, a brand new all electric Category C men's prison, located in the village of Full Sutton near York.

Prison environments are one of the most challenging, yet rewarding places for professionals to work. If you're looking for a role where you can develop your existing skills and learn something new every day in an environment that never stands still, then this could be the opportunity for you.

HMP Millsike will have an operational capacity of 1500 people who will spend their sentences learning the skills they need to find work on release as part of the government's drive to cut reoffending. Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust were recently awarded the Mental Health Service contract to begin delivering services in April 2025.

This post holder will continue with the development of the service model. The post holder should be motivated by the opportunity to become part of the growing workforce in this mental health provision. They will be responsible for developing this role by demonstrating excellence in person centred care, providing training and advice to the team and our partners. This includes working closely with Adult Social Care across East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire County Council and York Council.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will assess and provide intervention related to a range of difficulties for men within these prison settings. They will work alongside a team of health care professionals (including nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapists, and support workers) and partner colleagues (including prison staff, primary health care providers). They will be responsible for developing this role by demonstrating excellence in person centred care, providing training and advice to the team and our partners. This includes working closely with Adult Social Care across East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire County Council and York Council in the identification of care needs under the framework of Care Act. Additionally, supporting release planning for patients with complex mental health presentations and working with a range of partners to achieve this.

The post holder will be a registered social worker and have significant experience working in mental health or learning disability services and complex needs. They will have knowledge of related issues and national directives and an understanding of the criminal justice system would be beneficial. They will be expected to facilitate and promote links to the wider community services, as required.

About us

The post holder will receive professional and managerial supervision as well as peer support and CPD opportunities. They will liaise closely with other social workers in health and justice services.

To work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide appropriate assessments and deliver interventions to individuals, families, and carers in order to support recovery, promote self-management and minimise risks.

To undertake duties under the Mental Health Act as required e.g. report writing and attendance at Mental Health tribunals.

To undertake statutory work as defined under the Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act and demonstrate an understanding of the restrictions that legal orders may have on a patient's life.

To provide comprehensive social histories for each patient, that should include a clear assessment of risk including safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, the views of families and carers, and agencies in the home area. The views of victims should be included where these are available.

To contribute to the development of effective working relationships with colleagues from other teams, organisations, and agencies, and to subsequently advise senior managers and others on relevant social care issues.

To provide individual and group interventions and therapies to mentally disordered offenders.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.

A site visit would be encouraged for all potential applicants - please contact [e-mail] to discuss this.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A registered social work qualification plus a period of indentured practice.
• Registration with SWE.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation including MHA 1983, MCA 2005, and Care Act 2014.
• Evidence of psychosocial educational qualification, i.e., PSI/CBT.
• Teaching qualification.
• Experience of working with psychological models of care.

Experience

• Evidence of working within a forensic or community setting.
• Evidence of working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Evidence of using detailed risk assessments and formulation of subsequent care plans.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Use of the CPA system.
• Proven clinical skills with the client group.
• An ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Respond to regular supervision and support.
• Liaise effectively with external agencies.
• Experience of working within a prison environment.
• Experience of working with offenders.

Knowledge

• Good understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Up-to-date knowledge of mental health strategies.

Skills

• Able to use patient recording systems/basic computer knowledge.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust