Social Worker – Safeguarding Lead (Mental Health)

About the role

We are looking for a compassionate Social Worker to join the multidisciplinary team at Southleigh Community Hospital, a Level 2 rehabilitation facility supporting individuals with complex mental health and learning disability needs. The role combines case management, safeguarding leadership and collaboration with external agencies to facilitate patients’ progress towards independence.

Key responsibilities

• Assess social care needs of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and develop care plans in line with the NHS and Community Care Act 1990.
• Manage a caseload of patients in low‑secure services, supporting them to access benefits and act as financial appointee where required.
• Liaise with MAPPA, local authority social services, CMHT, FOLS, police and probation to ensure statutory duties are met.
• Lead the multidisciplinary team on non‑medical mental capacity issues, best‑interest decisions and complex safeguarding cases.
• Provide safeguarding training, act as the hospital’s Safeguarding Lead and report activity for clinical governance.
• Serve as an appropriate adult for PACE interviews and related procedures.

Required profile

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience working in a mental health setting, preferably with learning disabilities or complex needs.
• Familiarity with the Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act and Care Programme Approach.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practice.
• Understanding of mental capacity assessments and best‑interest decision‑making.
• Ability to coordinate with statutory agencies and external partners.