Join Us as a Senior Social Worker – Make a Real Difference in Community Mental Health

Wakefield Council is embarking on an exciting period of transformation within secondary mental health services — and we’d love you to be part of it. We’re looking for a passionate and skilled Senior Social Worker (with or without AMHP status) to join our Enhanced Team East, based at Baghill House in Pontefract.

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your expertise to a supportive, forward-thinking team, and to play a key role in shaping positive outcomes for adults aged 18–65 living with mental health conditions.

Why This Role Matters

As a Senior Social Worker, your knowledge, empathy, and professional curiosity will help promote wellbeing, independence, and choice for the people we support. You’ll work as part of an integrated team alongside colleagues from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust, making a genuine difference through strength-based, person-centred practice.

You’ll empower individuals to live as independently as possible, ensuring their voices are heard and their care truly reflects what matters to them.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience working with adults with mental health needs

• Excellent assessment, communication, and engagement skills

• Strong understanding of key legislation, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983

• Up-to-date professional expertise, supported by post-qualifying training or awards

• A commitment to reflective practice and continual learning

You will carry out planned social work interventions, undertake Care Act conversation-style assessments, complete strength-based reviews, and co-produce outcome-focused support plans.

What Will Be Expected of Me?

In this senior role, you will:

• Hold a complex but manageable caseload

• Support the Team Manager and help nurture the development of colleagues

• Supervise student social workers and other staff, as required

• Work collaboratively across disciplines to ensure a cohesive, responsive service

• Prepare high-quality reports in line with our policies and procedures

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification recognised by CCETSW

• Registration with Social Work England

• Evidence of post-qualifying awards/training

• Commitment to maintaining and developing professional skills and knowledge

• Ability to build effective, positive relationships with individuals, carers, and partner agencies

What We Offer

Wakefield Council is an ambitious, high-performing, and supportive employer. We’re committed to continuous improvement — and to helping you reach your full potential.

In return, we offer:

• Outstanding professional development opportunities

• A wide range of tailored training

• Competitive salary with incremental progression

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Generous annual leave

• Access to an excellent occupational pension scheme

We take safeguarding seriously and are committed to promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. This role requires a Disclosure Application Form and is subject to a 6-month probation period.

Interested? Let’s Talk.

If you’d like to know more about the role, the recruitment process, or what it’s like to work at Wakefield Council, please contact Amy Cowey at amy.cowey@swyt.nhs.uk or call 01977 735829.

Come join a team where your skills matter, your wellbeing is supported, and your work truly changes lives.