We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Head of Social Work to join our team and provide visible, professional leadership to Social Workers across the South-West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG). This role plays a pivotal part in championing high-quality social work practice, supporting professional development, and shaping the future of social work within the Trust.
As a successful applicant you will have experience in working in mental health setting across health and social care system, as well as a strong legal literacy in health, social care and mental health legislation. Joining the senior management team, you will be the senior operational leader for Social Work raising professional profile, supporting further development of the professional pathway and driving the strength-based approach to service delivery across the Trust.
Deputy Head of Social Work will take operational leadership for promoting social work-based approaches that contribute to reducing health inequalities and improving service quality. You will provide expert guidance and support to operational managers, ensuring strong partnerships and effective collaboration with the five local authorities we work alongside.
Key responsibilities include overseeing robust systems for professional supervision, reflective practice, and professional appraisal. The role also involves contributing to professional forums, the annual Social Work Conference, and coordinating learning and development opportunities. You will lead the development of a clear career pathway for Social Workers in partnership with educational providers, Skills for Care, and the Trust’s preceptorship programme, as well as support apprenticeship and newly qualified programmes (MH AYSE, Practice Educator).
The Deputy Head will provide expert advice in areas such as Mental Health Law, Safeguarding, and Social Care legislation, contributing to Trust-wide audits, research, and compliance initiatives including upcoming legal reforms. You will also support the leadership of Safeguarding, participate in governance groups, and deputise for the Head of Social Work when required. This is an excellent opportunity for a forward-thinking Social Work leader to make a lasting impact across integrated health and social care services system
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
About our locations:
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are coming soon. Close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Zoe Mears Job title: Head of Social Work Email address:
[email protected] Telephone number: 020 3513 1543
