Dawlish
Employed by Devon County Council and working within Devon Partnership NHS Trust, you will play a central role in delivering statutory responsibilities and providing therapeutic social work interventions for adults receiving low- and medium-secure inpatient mental health care.
As a core member of a dynamic multi‑disciplinary team, you will collaborate closely with colleagues from psychology, psychiatry, medical services, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapies. Each social worker is aligned to a specific ward, enabling an integrated and consistent approach to patient care, risk assessment, and recovery planning.
Key Responsibilities
Statutory Local Authority Duties
- Determine the responsible authorities under S117 (MHA) and undertake S117 (MHA) based social care assessments as part of admission, discharge planning ,and ongoing pathway management for individuals for whom Devon County Council holds responsibility.
- Ensure social care needs are fully represented within discharge planning and community transitions.
Specialist Forensic Social Work Functions
- Deliver a comprehensive social work service to all inpatients, including: Supporting admission, care and discharge processes.
- Strengthening social networks and maintaining family connections – leading family support and engagement events.
- Offering practical support regarding finance, property, and welfare.
- Managing and supporting coordination of relevant legal and risk frameworks, such as:-MAPPA-Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) requirements-Conditional discharge processes-Section 42 safeguarding enquiries-Court processes, Prison and Probation-Mental Capacity Act and Best Interest Decision work.
Produce high‑quality Social Circumstances Reports for tribunals, hospital managers’ hearings, and other statutory reviews.
Supporting the learning of others
- Support the learning and development of colleagues from other professions, and student social workers, contributing to the growth of the services and the future workforce and modelling good practice in social mental health practice.
Systems & Information Management
- Use both DCC systems (including CareFirst and S1) and DPT electronic systems to maintain accurate, timely, and secure records
The Forensic Social Work Team comprises:
- Five inpatient social workers, each aligned to a ward.
- A linked social worker based in the community forensic team.
- A mix of AMHPs and experienced social workers.
- Supportive, reflective team culture with strong multi‑agency links.
The team is integral to the wider service, contributing specialist social work thinking to risk assessment, patient recovery pathways, and legal frameworks.
For any questions about this role, please contact:
Tom Woodd – tom.woodd@nhs.net
Does the job role include personal care?: No
Working Patterns:
TBC
Essential details:
Professional Development
We offer:
- Access to a range of specialist forensic and mental health training.
- Regular reflective supervision and peer support.
- Development opportunities across both DCC and DPT learning platforms
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
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Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.