Social Worker - DECISION research study

Job summary

*This post is also open to secondment discussions internally*

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a social worker to work in close partnership with the researchers, in the delivery of an NIHR funded trial Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment in prison (DECISION) care pathway and training package: A realist informed feasibility study.

The Trust delivers a wide portfolio of high quality research including this important study. This is a great opportunity to have a key role in a new NIHR funded research trial led by Chief Investigators Dr Louise Robinson (LSCft) and Dr Katrina Forsyth and (UoM) to explore the challenges those experiencing dementia/Mild Cognitive Impairment in prison face. Ryan Cowley-Sharp (LSCft) will provide supervision to the social worker and will act as a Social Care Advisor ensuring appropriate measures are in places for social care delivery.

Main duties of the job

The DCC will screen current prisoners and newly-received prisoners aged >=50 using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). They will refer cases below cut-off to prison primary care for medical assessment and support referral to the memory assessment service if appropriate. The DCC will complete a social care needs assessment as appropriate. The post holder coproduce a care plan with the individual/family member/peer carer. This will consider placement in the prison (e.g. vulnerable prisoner wing, healthcare wing, adapted cell) and the support required. All domains of the Care Act (2014) will be considered including adaptations to cells and other parts of the prison; support with maintaining personal relationships; coordination of peer carer support; and details of any personalised care.The post holder will have a crucial role in the planning, coordination and delivery of the intervention. They will have excellent communication and presentation skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and attention to detail. Strong organisational skills when faced with challenges are required along with an ability to work to key targets and deadlines.You must be either a prison-based trained social worker or a professional with social care training. We are looking for an energetic dynamic, self-directed and committed individual with an interest in becoming a key part of our research team and working with us to understand the unmet needs within the prison system.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.

Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.