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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team while managing your own caseload in mental health services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking independent healthcare provider focused on mental health recovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to £52,000 salary, 33 days leave, free meals, and career development perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with experience in forensic or complex mental health settings.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent role with excellent training and wellbeing support.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: West Berkshire
Salary: Up to £52,000 + Excellent Benefits
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Are you a qualified Social Worker with leadership experience in secure mental health settings? Ready to join a forward-thinking organisation where your development is prioritised and your impact is recognised?
An established independent healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Lead Social Worker for one of its specialist mental health services in West Berkshire. This role offers an excellent opportunity to support service users on their recovery journey while mentoring a small team and helping shape clinical best practice.
About the Role
In this senior position, you’ll support the delivery of high-quality social work within a secure and structured environment. The service supports adults with complex mental health needs across several wards, including secure and acute care settings.
As Deputy Lead, you’ll manage your own caseload while supervising junior team members, contributing to safeguarding and capacity decisions, and working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide supervision, mentorship, and appraisal to social work colleagues
- Lead on adult safeguarding, capacity assessments, and best interest decisions
- Coordinate key processes including CPAs, tribunals, and discharge planning
- Liaise with external stakeholders such as social care, MAPPA, police, and probation
- Deliver safeguarding training and contribute to audit and quality initiatives
- Support families and carers throughout the care pathway
What You’ll Need
- A recognised qualification in Social Work
- Registration with Social Work England
- Experience within forensic, secure, or complex mental health services
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and capacity legislation
- Confident communication and a collaborative leadership style
What’s on Offer
- Salary up to £52,000
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
- Free on-site meals and parking
- Comprehensive wellbeing programme
- Company pension and life assurance
- Enhanced maternity benefits
- Career development opportunities with access to funded training
- Staff discounts, car leasing options, and more
Deputy Lead Social Worker employer: Linq Recruitment Specialists
Contact Detail:
Linq Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Lead Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and best practices in forensic mental health settings. Understanding the nuances of this field will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in forensic mental health or similar roles. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the organisation's culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in mentoring others. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed complex cases, as this will be crucial for the Deputy Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and recent initiatives in mental health care. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission can set you apart and show that you're committed to contributing positively to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Lead Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in social work, particularly in forensic or secure mental health settings. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to mentor and supervise others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your passion for social work and your understanding of the complexities involved in forensic mental health. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Deputy Lead Social Worker role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the organisation's mission.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your recognised qualification in Social Work and your registration with Social Work England. If you have additional training or certifications related to safeguarding or capacity assessments, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Discuss your approach to mentorship and supervision, and how you've contributed to improving practices within your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linq Recruitment Specialists
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Lead Social Worker, you'll be expected to mentor and supervise junior team members. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully guided others in a similar environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding
Understanding safeguarding and capacity legislation is crucial for this role. Brush up on relevant laws and be ready to provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex mental health scenarios. Think about specific cases you've handled and how you approached them, focusing on your decision-making process.
✨Engage with the Multidisciplinary Team Concept
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with other professionals, such as police or probation services, and share examples of successful teamwork in your past roles.
