Social Worker – Mental Health Hospital Liaison

Hackney is one of Britain’s most exciting and fastest-changing boroughs. We have changed the reputation, not just of the Council, but of Hackney itself. The challenges that have arisen over the last two years have intensified the need for action and we are determined to rebuild Hackney for, and with, our diverse communities.

The Benefits and Homeless Prevention Service (BHPS) Complex Needs Team provides holistic assistance to Hackney Residents who present as homeless either from various institutions or those who approach the Council directly for homelessness assistance. This role sits within this multidisciplinary team alongside with splitting their time between Council buildings and Homerton wards.

The East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) has been named one of the HSJ Top 10 best places to work in healthcare, HSJ Provider Trust of the Year and graded as Outstanding by our regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2018. We believe that staff who feel valued by the Trust and are truly engaged in the organisation deliver better outcomes for our patients. This Trust is clinician-led, and provides the highest possible level of clinical expertise throughout its services.

ELFT supports clients in need of mental health services within the London Borough of Hackney through assessment and care planning. This is achieved through liaison with a variety of voluntary and statutory sector organisations to ensure that clients’ needs are met by the most appropriate team or service including the CMHT Recovery Teams, the Early Intervention Team, Home Treatment Team, AMHPs, psychology and psychotherapy departments and voluntary sector networks.

This is an exciting and unique role, in which you will play an integral role ensuring patients being discharged from the mental health wards have all the relevant assessments carried out, and that the necessary care plans and risk assessments are available for the BHPS to be able to make an informed and safe decisions on any temporary or settled housing options.

This role will involve building strong working relationships between ELFT mental health services and temporary accommodation while also working closely with service users, their families and other relevant support networks. You will provide a high quality and effective mental health social work service to residents that are in housing need. You will respond to the needs of adults with mental disorders and their carers in a timely manner, within the boundaries of statutory legislation, and with regard to individual circumstances, combined with assessing needs, using a strengths based and person centred approach. Planning and delivering outcome focused interventions linked to promoting independence & social inclusion will also be part of your daily remit.

Significant experience of working in an adult mental health setting or delivering a mental health service is required together with knowledge of housing and homeless legislations. We welcome applicants that are qualified AMPH’s, or social workers who are willing to undertake training in this area. You will be qualified in CQSW or DipSW or equivalent, HCPC registered; and have experience of working in inner city urban areas. At Hackney, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is stimulating, fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high profile organisation.

Please note, an Enhanced DBS is required.

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 09 March 2025 (22.59)

Interview date: wc 17 March 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk