At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with complex mental health needs and deliver person-centred interventions.
- Company: Join a dynamic Health and Social Care Partnership in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor trainees and work collaboratively with NHS services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working within a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with MHO accreditation and experience in mental health.
Location: Edinburgh - Flexible working within a supportive multidisciplinary team. Office and community-based working across Edinburgh
Pay Rate: £45 – £50 per hour
Contract: Locum
Seven Resourcing are currently recruiting for an experienced Mental Health Officer (MHO) to join a dynamic Health and Social Care Partnership in Edinburgh. This is a high-impact locum opportunity for a qualified Social Worker with MHO accreditation to work within a multidisciplinary team supporting adults with complex and enduring mental health needs.
The Role
As a Mental Health Officer, you will hold a complex caseload and deliver high-quality, person-centred social work interventions. You will play a critical role in safeguarding individuals, supporting recovery, and ensuring compliance with Scottish mental health legislation. This role requires advanced professional judgement, the ability to work autonomously, and confidence in managing high-risk and sensitive cases, including those involving potential deprivation of liberty.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake statutory duties as an accredited Mental Health Officer
- Manage a caseload of complex mental health cases
- Complete assessments, reports, and submissions for Tribunals, Courts, and statutory bodies
- Apply and adhere to relevant legislation, including:
- Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
- Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- Adult Support and Protection Act 2007
- Lead on risk assessments and implement effective risk management strategies
- Support hospital discharge planning and admission prevention
- Work collaboratively with NHS services, legal professionals, and partner agencies
- Promote recovery-focused practice, rehabilitation, and independence
- Provide mentoring and support to trainee MHOs and colleagues
- Maintain accurate, high-quality case records in line with statutory requirements
Requirements
Essential:
- Qualified Social Worker with SSSC registration
- Accredited Mental Health Officer (MHO) status
- Significant experience working with adults with complex mental health needs
- Strong knowledge of Scottish mental health legislation and statutory frameworks
- Experience preparing reports for legal proceedings and tribunals
- Excellent risk assessment and decision-making skills
- Strong communication, organisational, and analytical abilities
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable:
- Experience mentoring or supporting trainee MHOs
- Experience working within integrated health and social care services
- Knowledge of recovery-focused and strengths-based practice
Why Work with Seven Resourcing?
At Seven Resourcing, we connect skilled professionals with meaningful opportunities where they can make a real difference. With nearly a decade of industry expertise, over 3,000 five-star reviews, and a reputation for award-winning service, we provide continuous support, career development, and access to rewarding roles that align with your experience and aspirations.
Social Worker – Mental Health Officer in Belfast employer: Seven Resourcing
Seven Resourcing is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, particularly in the role of Mental Health Officer, offering flexible working arrangements within a supportive multidisciplinary team in Edinburgh. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous support and career development opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your expertise is valued and your contributions lead to real change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Mental Health Officer in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Seven Resourcing, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker – Mental Health Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Seven Resourcing. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Seven Resourcing. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seven Resourcing
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Seven Resourcing.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Worker – Mental Health Officer role at Seven Resourcing, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Seven Resourcing that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
