Our approach to Social Work

Social workers support public health and the physical care of service users. Social workers also bring specific capabilities to multidisciplinary teams, including working with complex cases, risk and capacity and people in crisis. Social workers have a vital role in relief, recovery, and community resiliency, identifying at-risk groups and working to protect them

What support can you expect from the Social Work leadership group?

It has been identified that we are one of largest NHS Trust employers of Social Workers, something which we are very proud of.

The Trust has shown its commitment towards Social Work within the organisation

by establishing a strong leadership group. There is a Director of Social Work and two Associate Directors. They have a strategic responsibility for representing the profession and promoting social work practices.

The leadership group are committed to working towards fulfilling the Health Education England considerations set out above and their goal is to become leaders at local, regional and national levels.

Why are Social Workers so essential to NHS services?

  • We ensure Social work is well-positioned to have a strong voice for disadvantaged or under- represented demographic groups.

  • We ensure that ethical and rights discussions happen.

  • We assess and care plan for people.

  • We understand legal and statutory rights and responsibilities.

  • We understand the social determinants of health.

  • We offer person-centred approaches which allow individuals to take control of their own care.

  • We use strength-based interventions that enable people to use resources within their community for support and wellbeing.

  • We support people with additional needs and those at risk of harm to access protection in line with legislation.

What will you discover in the Social Work community in the Trust?

  • You will have access to specialist training provision to maintain registration and support career development.

  • You will have opportunity to follow interests in practice related research and to take this to an academic level.

  • You will have opportunity to mentor students in professional placements and also in the form of taking practice experience to the lecture room.

  • You will have assistance in providing the link between academia and practice.

  • You will be offered a supported first year in practice as a newly qualified practitioner.

  • You will have opportunities to engage with 1:1 and peer group supervision.

  • You will be involved in regular Social Work meeting.

  • You will be involved and engaged in a thriving Social Work community.

The Social Work leadership team are happy to be contacted in respect of any related issues or concerns, their details can be found on the Trust Intranet Social Work page.