Job profile

Our Social Work Hub Team is growing and is searching for an experienced candidate for the position of Prison Senior Social Worker.

What will be expected from me?

Wakefield has 2 prisons within its borders, HMP Wakefield and HMP/YOI New Hall. You will have a responsibility to prevent the escalation of care and support needs and to provide assessments and care and support services for adults in prisons. The needs of men and women in prison are very different, and you will need to be able to engage and work with people within both prison settings.

What would I be doing?

• You will need to be confident, credible and have an interest in developing and promoting the value of the social work role within the prison setting.
• You will be part of a multidisciplinary approach working in partnership with the prison and healthcare staff, you will need to be able to challenge thinking and practice in a constructive and supportive manner.
• You must be non-judgement in your approach and proactive in seeking to support prisons to access support.

Essential requirements

• Qualified Social Worker
• This is a specialist role, you would be based predominantly in the prisons, it is essential that you understand the relevant legislation, including the Care Act, Mental health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Children Act.
• You will benefit from having experienced working in prisons and will understand the challenges faced by people in prison who have social care needs.
• You will be expected to have Counter Terrorism Clearance in addition to a DBS to be able to have access to the prison settings and be in a position to draw keys.

What can I expect?

• Full-time/ role of 37hours per week with Workplace Based
• Flexible option available
• Competitive annual leave entitlement.
• Support and access to a high-quality training programme to progress your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and we recognise that resilient Team need a good work/life balance as well as supportive leadership and support in the workplace.
• Access to Wellbeing Coaching if required.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.

Want to know more?

Please ensure you read all guidance available on the Council’s website about how to complete your application form, remembering you must meet all essential criteria to be shortlisted.   

For further information about the role, please contact the recruitment team on 01924 307798 or please send an email to ASCRecruitment@wakefield.gov.uk