Social Worker, Bognor Regis with Visa Sponsorship at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

This exciting opportunity for a Qualified or Newly Qualified Social Worker at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Bognor Regis offers a chance to contribute to community mental health. It is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to build a career in the UK, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. With a competitive salary ranging from £39,959 to £48,117 per annum, this role provides a stable and supportive environment within the transforming NHS.

Job Description

Joining the Bognor Neighbourhood Mental Health Team, you will serve as a Lead Practitioner, working with patients experiencing mental health difficulties in a supportive multi-disciplinary setting. This full-time position typically operates Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, and requires independent travel across the locality with access to a suitable vehicle.

Key responsibilities include maintaining patient safety, collaborating with carers and team members, and providing clinical advice on complex issues. You will undertake urgent and priority assessments, manage crisis situations, and take responsibility for complex cases when a Care Coordinator is absent. The role also involves supporting intensive home-based treatment, liaising with other services like the Police and A&E, and contributing to quality standards and consistent care approaches.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse / health professional with current registration appropriate to the job role.
• Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB / professional equivalent.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in mental health or neurodevelopmental care.
• Experience of working alongside people with complex health problems and supervising staff.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting clinical assessments, including risk assessments.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with service users, carers, and various agencies.
• Applicants must either possess the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary from £39,959 to £48,117 per annum.
• Opportunity to be part of a transforming community mental health service within the NHS.
• Prioritized staff welfare, including regular supervision, reflective practice, and mentoring.
• Robust induction and ongoing support for professional development and training.
• Working within a warm, friendly, and highly supportive multi-disciplinary team.
• Potential for development into a community mental health nurse role for band 5 or newly qualified Social Workers with mental health experience.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Social Worker role within the NHS, thorough preparation is paramount. Ensure your professional registration is current and recognized in the UK, and gather all necessary documentation, including a clear Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant UK-format experience, particularly in mental health, and cultivate a LinkedIn profile that resonates with UK employers and showcases your expertise. Your cover letter should explicitly address your interest in community mental health and how your skills align with the job description.

During the interview, be ready to discuss your experience with safeguarding adults, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. If you require visa sponsorship, be prepared to discuss this confidently and professionally, demonstrating your understanding of the process and your commitment to the role and the UK healthcare system. Emphasize your desire to contribute to the NHS and your proactive approach to professional development.

• Ensure your Social Work qualification and professional registration are recognized in the UK.
• Prepare a UK-formatted CV and cover letter, highlighting mental health experience and community work.
• Familiarize yourself with UK safeguarding adults policies and mental health legislation.
• Gather strong professional references, ideally from previous mental health roles.
• Practice articulating your need for visa sponsorship and your long-term career aspirations in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is explicitly offered for this Social Worker position at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Foreigners and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are welcome to apply. If your current immigration status is borderline or you have complex circumstances, it is advisable to contact the employer directly to clarify eligibility before applying.