Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship for skilled workers, applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and the final decision on sponsorship rests with the NHS Trust. International candidates should ensure they meet all UK visa requirements and have the necessary qualifications recognized in the UK.
Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker to join our Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Community Service in North Yorkshire and York. This is an exciting opportunity following new investment in our services, with the successful candidate providing essential support to women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and up to one year postnatal. The post is based in either York or Scarborough and offers a chance to make a significant impact in perinatal mental health care.
Company Information
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider serving communities across Yorkshire and the Humber. As a foundation trust, we have greater freedom to develop services that meet the specific needs of our local population. We are committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and creating an environment where our staff can develop rewarding careers while making a real difference to patients’ lives.
Location and Working Pattern
This full-time, permanent position is based in either York or Scarborough, offering flexibility in work location. The successful candidate will be required to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. Adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 if needed. The trust provides excellent transport links and parking facilities at both locations.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary ranging from £38,682 to £46,580 per annum, paid under the Agenda for Change pay scale at Band 6. Benefits include access to the NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive working environment. The trust is committed to fair pay and provides regular increments based on experience and performance.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Social Worker will work as part of a community perinatal multi-disciplinary team, representing a social work perspective for women with mental health difficulties. Key responsibilities include managing a defined caseload of patients with perinatal needs, particularly those with complex social care needs and safeguarding requirements. The post holder will be accountable for developing the social worker role within the team while working autonomously to provide high-quality assessments and interventions.
Duties Include:
- Providing specialist social work support to women during pregnancy and postnatal period
- Conducting comprehensive assessments of social care needs and risks
- Developing and implementing care plans in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams
- Managing cases involving child and adult safeguarding concerns
- Liaising with external agencies and community resources
- Providing specialist advice on social work issues to the team
Person Specification – Qualifications
Applicants must hold an appropriate professional qualification in social work and be registered with the relevant regulatory body. International candidates must demonstrate that their qualifications are recognized in the UK. Additionally, all international recruits are required to have achieved International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7 (or equivalent), with Speech and Language Therapists requiring level 8.
Essential Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of 12 months post-qualifying experience of social work delivery. For those qualifying after 2012, this includes completion of the Assessed and Year-end Statement of Eligibility (AYSE) for social work. For those qualifying before 2012, evidence of experience in accordance with the professional capabilities framework for an experienced social worker is required. The ideal candidate will have experience working with vulnerable adults and children in complex situations.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, post-graduate training in a relevant specialist area is highly desirable. We particularly welcome candidates with experience supporting people with mental health issues, learning disabilities, or autism. Experience working in a multidisciplinary team is also considered advantageous, as the role requires close collaboration with healthcare professionals from various disciplines.
About the Team
Our Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Community Service is a forward-thinking, proactive team dedicated to providing excellent care to expectant and new mothers with severe and complex mental health problems. We are a multidisciplinary team that values social work perspectives and encourages the ongoing development of social work practices. The team culture is supportive, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement.
Why Join Us
This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in the development of a specialist service with a strong commitment to social work. We offer a range of opportunities to develop and enhance existing clinical and social work skills within a supportive environment. The post holder will receive regular supervision from experienced practitioners and will have opportunities to network with social work colleagues across the trust.
Career Development
We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff. While candidates need not have prior experience in perinatal mental health, further specialist training and supervision will be provided to the successful candidate. The trust offers numerous training programs, workshops, and conferences to support professional growth and career advancement. We encourage staff to pursue additional qualifications and specializations.
How to Apply
Apply via the NHS Jobs website. The application process requires you to complete an online application form and submit any required supporting documents. For international candidates specifically, you should verify your eligibility for sponsorship with the employer before applying. Ensure you have all necessary qualifications, certifications, and documentation ready before starting your application.
Application Checklist for International Candidates:
- Verify visa eligibility with the employer
- Ensure your professional qualifications are UK-recognized
- Prepare English language test results if required
- Obtain necessary criminal record checks
- Contact Kate McCormick for any preliminary questions
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Kate McCormick, Perinatal Mental Health Team Manager YSWR, at [email protected] or 07881824564. Kate and the recruitment team are available to discuss the role, provide information about the service, and answer questions about the application process, particularly for international candidates interested in this position with sponsorship.
Application Process for International Candidates
International applicants requiring skilled worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. The employer will provide a certificate of sponsorship to successful candidates who require it. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate that their qualifications meet UK standards and that they have the necessary language proficiency and professional experience for the role.
Visa and Sponsorship Information
Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome. The trust is committed to supporting international talent and can provide the necessary certificate of sponsorship. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Equality and Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. All employment decisions are based on merit, ability, and potential.
About the Trust
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of physical health, mental health, and learning disability services to communities across North Yorkshire and the Humber. Our vision is to provide outstanding care for everyone, every time. We are committed to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our service delivery.
Terms and Conditions
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration where applicable. The post is subject to the terms and conditions of service for NHS staff as contained in the current Agenda for Change pay agreement.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 11 December 2025. We encourage early applications as the selection process may begin before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of interview arrangements within two weeks of the application deadline. We regret that we are unable to respond to every application individually, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.
