Experienced Social Worker (Mental Health)
- Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
- Salary: Between Grade H (SCP 26 – 30 £37,280 - £40,777) and Grade I (SCP 31-35; £41,771 to £46,142) dependent upon experience. (pay award pending) If appropriate, this Salary is supplemented by an AMHP allowance of £2,205 a year, paid on a pro rata basis.
- Location: Southport, Hartley Hospital
- Contract: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full Time
- Hours: 36 hours per week.
- DBS Check: Enhanced
- Closing Date: 24/05/2026 at 23:59
- Reference: ASC/26/334891
About the role
The Mental Health Team North is responsible for undertaking community and hospital-based casework for individuals with severe and enduring mental health problems, who are currently under the care of secondary mental health services, or detained/admitted to psychiatric hospital wards across the Local and Mid-Mersey Divisions.
The successful post holders will be expected to have a competent skill set in undertaking a range of statutory interventions, including social care needs assessments under the Care Act 2014, Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries, and a good working knowledge of both the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007).
PG Cert in Approved Mental Health Professional Practice (AMHP) and Best Interest Assessor (BIA) qualifications is desirable; however, these training opportunities will be offered to any successful applicant once they have resumed their post as an essential part of their training and development.
Once qualified, the successful applicants would be required to support the Sefton AMHP Service, including working on a duty AMHP rota in addition to their community-based casework and core duties within the team.
Please see Appendix A (page 10) in the recruitment pack for a full copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.
Interview dates and times for shortlisted applicants are likely to be confirmed for the week commencing 1st June 2026.
Equal Opportunities
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.
GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME
Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.
If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment. You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier. Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CV’s (unless specified on the advert).
Please fully complete the online application form.


