Person Specification

Training

Essential

• Mental Health Act 1983 as amended 2007, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Criminal Justice Legislation, Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989 & 2004, Human Rights Act, Equality Act 2010.

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development relevant to the position

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional social work qualification: Master’s, Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma, or Certificate of Qualification in Social Work.
• Social Work England registered/eligible for Social Work England registration
• NQSW/ASYE or equivalent work experience at an experienced social worker level

Desirable

• Practice Educator Award, or willing to work towards another postgraduate qualification relevant to the position

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working within the following relevant legislative frameworks: Mental Health Act 1983 as amended 2007, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Criminal Justice Legislation, Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989 & 2004, Human Rights Act, Equality Act 2010.
• Evidence of multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working with individuals presenting with complex needs and posing risks to themselves and others.
• Previous experience in providing professional challenge to restrictive practices and promoting the rights and freedoms of others.

Desirable

• Experience of working within adult mental health
• Experience of mentoring, training and/or supervising staff, or students

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge acquired through post-qualifying experience, in the application of social work practice, relevant to individuals with complex needs who present significant risks to themselves and others.
• Application of social work practice, associated policies, theories, and frameworks relevant to: capabilities framework at experienced social worker level.
• Knowledge of how the Mental Health Act 1983 amended 2007 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 apply within a mental health hospital.
• Knowledge of how to incorporate culture, race and gender perspectives to underpin anti-oppressive practice and promote equal opportunities

Skills

Essential

• Ability to sustain and model engagement with people in fluctuating circumstances and capacities, including where there are negative responses, rejection of help, hostility and risk.
• Ability to gather information quickly and effectively so as to inform judgment for interventions including in crisis, and in response to challenge, or in the absence of sufficient information.
• Skills in autonomous report writing, including reports for court.
• Ability to work proactively as an effective member of a clinical team while providing professional challenge.
• Ability to offer advice to Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDT) regarding risk assessment and risk management.
• Ability to use IT systems and software packages to maintain accurate and comprehensive work records.

Desirable

• Ability to contribute to developing and participating in educational, training and professional
• Demonstrate evolving leadership skills

Contractual Requirements

Essential

• Ability to travel to other secure units within the UK
• A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Physical requirements

Essential

• Has the physical ability to perform the full range of duties including Breakaway training

Values and Behaviours

Essential

• All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
• All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust’s expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 14 June 2026