Forensic Social Worker
About this job
Job Advert Skip to main content
document.body.className = ((document.body.className) ? document.body.className + ' js-enabled' : 'js-enabled');
Cookies on NHS Jobs
We've put some small files called cookies on your device to help us make improvements to our site.
To improve our site we'd also like to use cookies which will send information to Google Analytics. You can read more about our cookies before you choose.
Accept analytics cookies Do not accept analytics cookies
Menu
Menu Close menu
BETA Your feedback will help us to improve this service.
West London NHS Trust Forensic Social Worker
The closing date is 07 September 2026
Job summary
As a Forensic Social Worker, you'll play a key role in shaping safe, ethical and compassionate care for individuals in secure mental health services. Your insight will provide much needed holistic perspectives in decision making, support recovery, and help ensure that the voices of patients, families and victims are heard at every stage.
You'll bring strong analytical skills, emotional resilience and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practice. In return, you'll work within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team where your professional judgment is valued and your perspective is essential.
You will navigate complex situations, apply social work theory in depth, and contribute meaningfully to risk understanding and public protection.
If you're looking for a role with professional challenge, genuine impact, and the chance to develop specialist expertise in a nationally significant setting, this is the place to grow your career.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver specialist forensic social work and high-quality assessments for patients in secure care
- Prepare clear, concise reports for legal, clinical and public protection processes
- Advise the multidisciplinary team on mental health legislation, rights and safeguarding
- Assess risk and need using trauma-informed, holistic and anti-oppressive practice
- Work directly with patients, families and victims to support engagement, safety and recovery
- Lead safeguarding activity and work with external agencies such as local authorities and MAPPA
- Contribute to MDT discussions, service improvement, governance and accurate record-keeping
- Support team duties including rota tasks, student supervision and AMHP work (if applicable).
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Details
Date posted
24 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£45,953 to £54,254 a year Per Annum Inclusive of Allowances
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
222-HSS-BM-296
Job locations
Broadmoor Hospital
Crowthorne
RG45 7ET
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Degree in Social Work or DipSW or CQSW
- Social Work England registration
- Post-qualifying training (with again formally or through evidenced on-the-job training) in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- AMHP qualification
- Qualifications relating to the Mental Capacity Act, e.g. Best Interest Assessor
- Relevant training in group work, family therapy, substance misuse interventions, or offence work
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with individuals with mental health problems
- Experience of multidisciplinary team working, and promoting a social work/social care perspective
- Experience of presenting reports in formal setting, e.g. First Tier Tribunals Mental Health and Associate Hospital Managers Hearings
- Experience in risk assessment and risk management
- Experience in collaborative care planning
- Experience in working with families
- Experience of child and adult Safeguarding with mental health patients and their families
- Experience in supporting and training others on Social Work or AMHP placements
Desirable
- Experience of working in an inpatient forensic mental health setting
- Experience of working with offenders
- Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis
- Experience of working with adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of particular aspects of the Mental Health Act and its associated Code of Practice, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and criminal justice legislation relevant to Forensic Mental Health Social Work
- Detailed knowledge of identifying Responsible Local Authorities, Section 117 MHA, MAPPA, Victim Liaison, Carers' Rights and child and adult Safeguarding
- Written and verbal communication skills to engage with patients, carers and professionals of various levels of seniority across health and social care
- Knowledge of how to work effectively with professional networks to foster collaborative approaches and achieve results
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge in engaging with people with personality disorder and forensic histories
- Group facilitation skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Interpersonal skills to manage highly complex emotional situations
- Analytic and judgement skills, dealing with highly complex situations where required to express professional social work opinions
- Ability to work with considerable professional autonomy as a solo social worker in a multidisciplinary team
- Planning and organisational skills to manage a caseload and meet deadlines
- Ability to undertake all statutory and mandatory training, including Breakaway (subject to Occupational Health clearance)
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Degree in Social Work or DipSW or CQSW
- Social Work England registration
- Post-qualifying training (with again formally or through evidenced on-the-job training) in relevant areas of social work and/or mental health
- Evidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- AMHP qualification
- Qualifications relating to the Mental Capacity Act, e.g. Best Interest Assessor
- Relevant training in group work, family therapy, substance misuse interventions, or offence work
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with individuals with mental health problems
- Experience of multidisciplinary team working, and promoting a social work/social care perspective
- Experience of presenting reports in formal setting, e.g. First Tier Tribunals Mental Health and Associate Hospital Managers Hearings
- Experience in risk assessment and risk management
- Experience in collaborative care planning
- Experience in working with families
- Experience of child and adult Safeguarding with mental health patients and their families
- Experience in supporting and training others on Social Work or AMHP placements
Desirable
- Experience of working in an inpatient forensic mental health setting
- Experience of working with offenders
- Experience of working with adults with substance misuse or dual diagnosis
- Experience of working with adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of particular aspects of the Mental Health Act and its associated Code of Practice, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and criminal justice legislation relevant to Forensic Mental Health Social Work
- Detailed knowledge of identifying Responsible Local Authorities, Section 117 MHA, MAPPA, Victim Liaison, Carers' Rights and child and adult Safeguarding
- Written and verbal communication skills to engage with patients, carers and professionals of various levels of seniority across health and social care
- Knowledge of how to work effectively with professional networks to foster collaborative approaches and achieve results
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge in engaging with people with personality disorder and forensic histories
- Group facilitation skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Interpersonal skills to manage highly complex emotional situations
- Analytic and judgement skills, dealing with highly complex situations where required to express professional social work opinions
- Ability to work with considerable professional autonomy as a solo social worker in a multidisciplinary team
- Planning and organisational skills to manage a caseload and meet deadlines
- Ability to undertake all statutory and mandatory training, including Breakaway (subject to Occupational Health clearance)
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
West London NHS Trust
Address
Broadmoor Hospital
Crowthorne
RG45 7ET
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
West London NHS Trust
Address
Broadmoor Hospital
Crowthorne
RG45 7ET
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head of Forensic Social Work
Marion Clarke
Details
Date posted
24 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£45,953 to £54,254 a year Per Annum Inclusive of Allowances
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
222-HSS-BM-296
Job locations
Broadmoor Hospital
Crowthorne
RG45 7ET
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
West London NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
Market insight
Explore related jobs
Frequently asked questions
What salary can I expect?
This listing does not show a salary. Similar roles in Crowthorne often pay around 44 196 £ (median of 22 358 offers).
How do I apply for this job?
Open the original source page and contact the employer there. Finder never charges job seekers.
Are these jobs up to date?
Yes. Finder regularly refreshes vacancies from public sources and removes closed offers.