At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with complex mental health needs on their recovery journey.
- Company: St Andrew's, a leading mental health charity dedicated to inspiring hope.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellness programmes, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with access to training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in mental health.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work Qualification and experience in mental health preferred.
We are recruiting for an experienced Social Worker to join our site in Essex.
Location: Basildon
Starting Salary: £37,388 - £42,184 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours a week. We are able to consider a number of different options across the working week.
Contract length: 12 months fixed term contract.
About Us
We are St Andrew's, a mental health charity with the purpose of inspiring hope for those living with complex mental health needs. We aim to be at the forefront of inspiring real change and ensuring that everyone with complex mental health needs is heard, valued, and has hope for their future.
Role description
The service in Essex provides recovery and rehabilitation treatment pathways for men and women in our low secure, acute service and psychiatric intensive care, for service users with complex needs, acute needs, dual diagnosis, and those with a forensic background. As a Social Worker, you will gain experience across all our specialisms, develop a deeper understanding of complex mental health needs, and have access to further training.
You will work in partnership with our multi-disciplinary teams (including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Nursing, and other Allied Health Professions) to provide holistic individualised treatment plans and work directly with our patients on their recovery journey. You will take the lead with carer engagement and involvement, ensuring that families are part of the team. You will become an expert in mental health legislation and practice, giving evidence at Tribunals and taking the lead on safeguarding.
You will have a recognised Social Work Qualification and ideally experience of working in Mental Health and Mental Capacity Legislation, as well as Safeguarding Adults Legislation and practice, including the undertaking of safeguarding investigations. St Andrew’s Healthcare Social Workers must be registered with Social Work England. There will be opportunities for training to ensure registration. In addition, there will be regular clinical supervision, an annual performance review, and opportunities for development to stay up to date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in psychiatric social work.
As a charity with a focus on Education, Research, and Training, we offer access to ASYE, Practice Educator course, Social Work forums, and have strong links with the University of Northampton and local teaching partnerships. Our patients and colleagues expect you to live the St Andrew’s CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence every single day.
Rewards
- Pension
- Sickness policy on par with the NHS
- Access to the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts schemes
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 10 years' service
- Buy and Sell your Annual Leave
- Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
- Menopause Group
- Life cover
- Electric car lease scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Onsite gym and swimming pool facilities
- Paid DBS application
- Access to free vocational qualifications
Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
Social Worker in Wickford employer: St Andrew’s Healthcare
St Andrew's Healthcare is an exceptional employer, dedicated to inspiring hope and providing comprehensive support for those with complex mental health needs. Located in Basildon, our work culture fosters collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams, offering extensive training and development opportunities, including access to the ASYE and Practice Educator courses. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and access to onsite facilities, making it a rewarding place to grow your career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Wickford
✨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 St Andrew’s Healthcare.
✨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 St Andrew’s Healthcare!
✨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 St Andrew’s Healthcare, 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 St Andrew’s Healthcare 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 in Wickford
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 St Andrew’s Healthcare:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St Andrew’s Healthcare! 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 St Andrew’s Healthcare
✨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.
