Senior Social Worker

Job Description

Senior Social Worker – Capacity & Flow Service (Working Age Adults – Mental Health)

• Salary: £42,839 – £46,142 per year (PO3 grade)
• Hours: 37 per week (full-time)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Location: Becklin Centre / Tribeca House, Leeds
• Posted: 30 January 2026
• Closing date: 25 February 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Job reference: REQ005325

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our Capacity & Flow Service, focused on working-age adults with mental health needs.

In this role, you will work closely with NHS partners, clinical teams, service users, families, and other stakeholders to keep patient flow smooth across acute inpatient pathways (including local and out-of-area acute and PICU placements). Your main focus will be spotting and tackling any barriers to timely discharge, helping prevent unnecessary delays, and supporting people to move forward safely and effectively.

A key part of the role involves working with adults aged 18+ who have mental health challenges, and you’ll be expected to take part in the Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) on-call rota.

What you will be Doing Day-to-Day

• Manage a varied and complex caseload, carrying out person-centred assessments of needs and risks for adults, carers, and their support networks.
• Develop, put in place, monitor, and review support plans that really meet individual needs while following all relevant procedures and legislation.
• Identify risks, use safeguarding processes where needed, and take action to protect people from harm.
• Provide professional guidance, support, and mentorship to less experienced colleagues, trainees, and students (including supervising placements and working towards Practice Educator Level 2).
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across teams, agencies, and partners to deliver joined-up care.
• Write clear, analytical reports, keep accurate records, use IT systems effectively, and present evidence in court or meetings when required.
  Chair multi-agency meetings, contribute to service
• improvements, and help shape policies and innovative support approaches.
• Take part in duty rotas and respond to urgent referrals as needed.

About You

We are seeking someone with real passion for mental health social work and a strong track record in complex, statutory settings.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• A recognised social work qualification (e.g., BSc/BA/MA in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – or commitment to register immediately on starting.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in adult social care, ideally in mental health or multi-agency environments.
• Proven ability to handle complex caseloads, assess risks, and make sound professional judgements.
• Experience of person-centred practice, safeguarding investigations, and working with diverse communities.
• Skills in writing high-quality reports, chairing meetings, mentoring others, and managing conflict or resistance.
  Commitment to equality, diversity, continuous learning, and reflective practice.

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience in court settings or with a broad range of service user groups.
• Knowledge of specialist mental health legislation and services.

What We Offer

This is a chance to make a genuine difference in an integrated service that’s all about improving flow, reducing delays, and supporting people with mental health needs to achieve better outcomes. You’ll receive regular supervision, access to training (including AMHP if needed), and the opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive, diverse team.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds – including women, carers, veterans, LGBT+ individuals, people from ethnically diverse communities, disabled people, and those with care experience.

Right to Work

This role is UK-based. You must have the legal right to work in the UK before starting (e.g., as a UK/Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or with a valid work visa). If sponsorship is needed via the Skilled Worker route, the role meets the minimum salary threshold.

Next steps

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you!

For an informal chat about the position, contact:

• Holly McKenna-Hylton: Holly.McKennaHylton@leeds.gov.uk | 07562 439336
• Laura Sutton: laura.sutton@leeds.gov.uk | 07891 271379

Successful candidates will need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (appropriate barred list). We follow our policy on recruiting ex offenders.

Apply now via the Leeds City Council jobs portal before the deadline!