At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex mental health needs and lead case management activities.
- Company: KPMS, a dedicated service provider for children and young people since 2006.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, increased annual leave, wellness days, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on positive outcomes and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing mental health challenges.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in mental health and working with young people.
Are you a qualified Social Worker with experience or a strong interest in mental health, trauma and complex needs? KPMS is looking for a passionate, skilled and reflective In-House Social Worker to join our dedicated team. This role will have a key focus on supporting Camden’s in-borough commissioned mental health service for young people aged 16+, helping to ensure that placements are safe, stable, well-planned and responsive to the needs of young people with complex mental health presentations.
We are particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with young people experiencing in supporting young people with mental health difficulties.
About us
Since 2006, KPMS has been providing services that help children and young people overcome adversity and build brighter, safer futures. We specialise in supporting young people with complex needs, with a strong focus on risk management, emotional wellbeing, independence, and long-term stability. We believe that children and young people have a better chance of success when they are supported to develop the skills, confidence and resources needed to navigate the next stages of their lives. We aim to provide high-quality care and support in environments that are nurturing, understanding, structured and safe.
About the service
This role will support KPMS’s Camden in-borough commissioned mental health service for young people aged 16+. The service provides support for young people with complex mental health needs, with a focus on safety, emotional wellbeing, independence, community engagement and long-term stability. Young people may have experienced trauma, disrupted relationships, or challenges linked to mental health and social care needs. The service aims to provide a consistent, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach that helps young people feel safe, understood and supported while developing the skills needed for adulthood.
About the role
As an In-House Social Worker at KPMS, you will be at the heart of our work with young people who may have complex mental health needs, trauma histories, emotional and behavioural difficulties or significant safeguarding risks. From the point of referral, you will support the assessment and planning process to help ensure that placements are appropriate, safe and tailored to individual need. You will lead on case management, contribute to robust risk assessments, shape support plans and work closely with local authorities, statutory bodies, health professionals, families and internal teams.
A key part of the role will be bringing a strong social work and mental health-informed perspective to practice within the service. You will help the wider team understand young people’s needs, risks, strengths and protective factors, ensuring that support is thoughtful, consistent and focused on positive outcomes. You will also build meaningful relationships with young people, advocate for their needs and help create an environment where they feel safe, listened to, supported and able to grow in confidence and independence.
Key responsibilities
- Supporting referral assessments and placement planning for young people with complex mental health needs.
- Leading case management activity and ensuring that plans are clear, current and outcome-focused.
- Contributing to risk assessments, support plans, placement plans and professional reports.
- Applying a trauma-informed and mental health-informed approach to understanding young people’s behaviour, needs and risks.
- Working in partnership with local authorities, social workers, CAMHS, adult mental health services, health professionals, education providers and other statutory or voluntary agencies.
- Supporting internal teams to understand and respond to young people’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding and risk management needs.
- Advocating for young people and ensuring their views, wishes and feelings are reflected in planning and decision-making.
- Supporting young people to move towards greater stability, independence, emotional resilience and community inclusion.
- Maintaining professional, accurate and timely records.
- Promoting safeguarding and helping to ensure that concerns are identified, escalated and responded to appropriately.
Candidate profile
The ideal candidate will be a qualified Social Worker who is confident, organised, reflective and committed to achieving positive outcomes for young people. You will have strong communication skills, good attention to detail and the ability to work professionally and confidentially with sensitive information. You will also be able to balance empathy and relationship-building with clear boundaries, professional judgement and strong safeguarding practice. We are looking for someone who can bring curiosity, emotional resilience and a mental health-informed approach to the role. You should be confident working with young people aged 16+ who may present with distress, trauma responses, self-harm, emotional dysregulation, exploitation risks, missing episodes, offending behaviour or difficulties engaging with support.
Education and experience
- A Social Work degree or equivalent qualification.
- Current Social Work England registration.
- Experience working with children, young people or young adults.
- Experience or strong knowledge of mental health, trauma, emotional wellbeing or complex needs.
- Strong written communication skills, including report writing and case recording.
- A good understanding of safeguarding, risk management and multi-agency working.
Desirable experience
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Children and adolescent mental health.
- CAMHS or adult mental health services.
- Statutory children’s services, looked-after children, leaving care, residential care or supported accommodation.
Salary, location and benefits
Salary: £35,000 to £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Location: Services in Camden, Head Office in Stratford.
Hours: Full time, sociable hours with no weekend or shift work.
Benefits include:
- Increased annual leave after 2 years of continuous service.
- Option to exchange annual leave.
- £2,000 retention payment after 18 months.
- Protected report-writing time.
- Investment in professional learning and development.
- Wellness days.
- Clear salary bands with objective targets for progression.
- A key role in supporting Camden’s in-borough commissioned mental health provision for young people aged 16+.
To apply
Please apply via this advert or email info@kpmsuk.com.
Social Worker - Mental Health & Complex Needs employer: KPMSUK
KPMS is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Social Workers focused on mental health and complex needs. With a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from increased annual leave, wellness days, and a clear pathway for career progression, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in Camden. Our team-oriented culture prioritises collaboration and understanding, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally in this rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Mental Health & Complex Needs
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at KPMSUK.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from KPMSUK!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like KPMSUK, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at KPMSUK or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Mental Health & Complex Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to KPMSUK:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to KPMSUK! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KPMSUK
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
