Overview
Job summary: This role is part-time (22 hours per week).
Join our outstanding-rated Trust as a Band 6 Social Worker in the Safeguarding and Social Work Team at Royal Papworth Hospital. You'll play a vital role in supporting patients with complex health and social care needs, including those with long-term conditions, terminal illness, and safeguarding concerns. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you'll lead holistic assessments, contribute to safe discharge planning, and act as a key liaison with external agencies. This role offers opportunities for professional development, supervision of junior staff, and involvement in service improvement. We're looking for a compassionate, resilient practitioner with strong knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding legislation.
Responsibilities
- Provide a comprehensive social work service across the hospital, supporting patients with complex needs, long-term conditions, and safeguarding concerns.
- Work autonomously within a multidisciplinary team; contribute to safe discharge planning, psychosocial reviews, and safeguarding strategy meetings.
- Conduct holistic assessments, mental capacity evaluations, and best interest decisions; contribute to MDTs.
- Lead and contribute to service improvements and training; mentor and supervise junior staff as appropriate.
Qualifications and Experience
- Essential: Social Work Degree or Postgraduate degree with Social Work England registration.
- Post-qualification experience as a social worker with evidence of supported practice (e.g., ASYE or ongoing CPD).
- Desirable: Leadership qualification.
- Essential experience: Direct work with vulnerable children/adults; safeguarding practice; multidisciplinary working; care planning; discharge coordination.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation: Children Act, Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, Prevent Duty, Working Together 2018; local safeguarding boards and policy; Think Family, Human Rights, Domestic Abuse Act.
- Excellent communication, emotional resilience, mentorship/supervision experience; ability to lead MDT meetings; ability to convey complex information sensitively; aware of diversity; able to facilitate learning; able to plan and prioritise workload.
- Desirable: Experience leading audits or service improvement; deputising in absence of senior staff; awareness of safeguarding strategies; contributing to policy/practice development.
Additional Criteria
- Commitment to uphold the Trust's values: Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration.
- Competent in using electronic patient record systems; maintain accurate records; proficient with Microsoft Office.
Details
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; a disclosure check will be required.
- UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
- Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per year; Band 6; Agenda for Change; Permanent; Part-time (22 hours per week).
- Location: Royal Papworth Hospital, Papworth Road, Cambridge Bio Medical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AY.
Employer details
Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Papworth Road, Cambridge Bio Medical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AY.