Social Worker & Safeguarding Lead

Job Description

Are you an experienced qualified Social Worker wanting to work in a brand-new acute Mental Health service that’s opening in February 2024 If so, we have a fantastic opportunity to be part of an integral team shaping care pathways, and being part of buildingthe culture alongside the senior leadership team.If you have experience of working in an inpatient mental health setting, we would love to hear from you. Oak Tree Manor will provide treatment for women and men who may have suffered trauma, and are affected by mental health disorders.Whether you have experience from the NHS or the private sector, you will join the team as a Social Worker and Safeguarding Lead. You will manage and lead the Social Work Department and SMT to support systematic development and provision of Social Work servicesin collaboration with multidisciplinary teams at Oak Tree Manor. Due to the nature of an acute service, this will involve working in collaboration with patient’s CPNs/Care Coordinators to support with continued social work needs.What you will be doing

• Provide significant input to the strategy of the Service through membership of the Oak Tree Manor Management Team.
• To initiate innovations in terms of new services, protocols and systems.
• Be involved in the clinical, multi-disciplinary team, and participate in appropriate meetings.
• Provide the most appropriate service to patients in conjunction with other departments in Oak Tree Manor.
• Ensure that social workers from outside agencies and partnerships deliver a co-ordinated service, participate in the treatment and after-care of service users.
• Develop effective communications with other departments.
• Ensure that the religious, cultural and ethnic needs of service users are met where possible.
• Liaise with an independent advocacy service.
• Contribute to the Care Programme Approach across the service and support the audit process.
• Liaise with outside Health and Social Services.
• Liaise with patients families where appropriate.
• To support with working towards a standardised practice within Oak Tree Manor regarding reports for Hospital Managers, Mental Health Tribunals, and other forums as required.
• Develop and monitor anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with local communities.

Key Responsibilities as Safeguarding Lead:

• Being available for all staff to discuss any safeguarding issues or concerns. They should ensure that all staff are aware of the Safeguarding Lead and deputy contact details.
• Ensuring that all staff are fully trained in safeguarding and know how to spot and raise concerns. They will also help to maintain an effective staff supervision programme.
• Undergoing regular refresher training themselves to ensure their safeguarding knowledge is as up to date as possible and in line with new guidance.
• Ensuring that adequate reporting and recording systems are in place for safeguarding procedures, and that there are appropriate transferal procedures for records when patients leave.
• Ensuring that the hospital’s safeguarding policies and procedures are up to date with the most recent statutory guidance, and that everyone who has safeguarding duties are familiar with any updates.
• Communicating with families on the hospital’s policies and procedures, as well as any concerns or referrals where appropriate.
• Ensuring that the site has sufficient safer recruitment procedures.
• Set up and establish Carers Forums, providing opportunities for families and carers to seek support, advice and to have the opportunity to air their views.

To be successful as a Social Worker & Safeguarding Lead you’ll need:

• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England
• Able to work as part of a team, within the social work department, the hospital and external professionals.
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Have an open and transparent attitude towards supervision and professional development.
• Effective in time management.
• Able to work well under pressure.
• Supportive towards colleagues in the department and the MDT.
• Self-motivator and highly committed to offering a high-quality service.
• Respected and trusted by other members of the department and the MDT.
• Flexible in the use of personal style within the work setting.
• Able to work positively with those who sometimes present with challenging behaviour.