Senior Social Worker in the Early Intervention Team for Psychosis in Erith

A rare opportunity has arisen in the dynamic Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (EIP) for a senior social worker. The Team enjoys manageable caseloads and a fully integrated multi-disciplinary approach, comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, and social care assistants. EIP collaborates with Charlton Athletic football club to provide a wellbeing programme, offering activities like art and climbing the O2 to help individuals manage their wellbeing. Employment Support Workers assist service users in achieving their goals of finding paid employment.

Based at the office in Erith with free parking and good transport links, the EIP team is a supportive whole borough team working with service users who have experienced their first episode of psychosis. The team embraces strengths-based practice and a systemic approach with evidence-based practice to enable recovery. As the Senior Social Worker, your enthusiasm, unique perspectives, knowledge of the Care Act, and professional skills will be highly respected within the service.

Training and development are integral to the service, with opportunities to undertake Family Therapy for psychosis Training and Family and Friends Training. The team holds weekly MDTs and complex case discussions to address the social, psychological, and psychiatric needs of service users. Monthly reflective practice meetings provide space for team members to consider their roles and the impact of work demands on them, which are key for self-development. Bexley Council also offers professional coaching and a Leadership Academy to support the growth of seniors and managers.

The Job

• Work within the EIP team to deliver NICE concordant interventions with service users and their support network following their first episode of psychosis.
• Use strengths-based and systemic approaches to enable service users' recovery and promote independence.
• Assess, plan, and manage complex cases, providing high-quality, evidence-based support.
• Conduct AMHP duties.
• Undertake the Practice Educator role.
• Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary colleagues, service users, and families to ensure person-centred, strength-based, and recovery-focused care.
• Maintain a high standard of practice, staying informed about current best practices, especially under the Care Act, and contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Supervise the social worker and social care assistant in the Early Intervention Team.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) certification.
• PEPS 1.
• Strong knowledge and application of the Care Act and relevant legislation.
• Enthusiasm, commitment to high-quality care, and a passion for enabling recovery.

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Interviews and Contact

Interviews are scheduled to be held on 13th February 2026 in person at the Erith Centre. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Nicola Shawyer, Clinical and Quality Lead, 02038611174, nicola.shawyer2@nhs.net.

About the Employer

Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent. It combines the amenities of city links with the tranquillity of Kent and offers award-winning parks, open spaces, heritage sites, and excellent transport connections including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25. The borough is home to numerous libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas, as well as primary and secondary schools and further education institutions.

Our Offer to You

We offer a package that includes a competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme, and generous annual leave plus bank holidays.

Recruitment Information

As a disability confident employer, Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@bexley.gov.uk. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This role may be available as a development opportunity through secondment for the Council’s existing employees. The Council’s Secondment Scheme can be found here. We reserve the right to close adverts earlier than the closing date.