Specialist Community Forensic Practitioner | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 26 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £38,682 - £46,580 per annum plus HCA |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 28 March 2026 |
| Location: | Billericay, CM12 9NW |
| Company: | Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7825515/364-A-9800 |
Summary
This post is for qualified social workers. Any applications that do not meet this criteria we cannot accept
We are looking for an experienced mental health practitioner (social worker) with experience in the community and forensic fields to join the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT). This is a developing service that has been set up in response to the NHS New Care Models to improve the care of service users within the forensic mental health system. The SCFT works with mental health offenders from the Essex area who are being cared for within medium and low secure mental health units, primarily in Essex.
The SCFT provides a period of ‘in-reach’ work with our service users for six to nine months prior to discharge with the aim of building good therapeutic relationships; with the aim to engage in them, in care planning, relapse prevention work and addressing potential challenges after discharge.
The successful candidate will work with the rest of the MDT and act as social supervisor/care coordinator for a small caseload approximately 10-12 service users through the care system pathway from secure placement to community setting in self-contained accommodation, 24 hour supported care and intensive enablement placements.
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication
Benefits
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
• Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
The post holder has the responsibility of providing and enhancing services for individuals in secure settings pre, during and post discharge to support timely transitions to community settings.
The role will be embedded within a Multi-disciplinary team with a specific focus of expediting the safe, smooth discharge of service users specifically within Brockfield House and other secure services to a range of appropriate community placements. The post holder will be expected to provide care co-ordination for a small caseload and contribute to the development of robust risk assessments and care plans. The post holder would be required to attend regular inpatient reviews to monitor the progress of service users and to ensure that any potential delay to discharge is addressed at the earliest opportunity. The team will support clients across Essex.
The post holder is also expected to contribute and support the day to day operational management of the SCFT.
This advert closes on Thursday 9 Apr 2026