Social work
We are proud to have a dedicated cohort of over 200 social workers, working in a variety of roles across our key services.
Social work
NHS social workers play a vital role in delivering high-quality care and support to individuals across Devon.
At Devon Partnership NHS Trust, we offer diverse and rewarding social worker career paths. We provide opportunities for social work career progression, allowing you to develop professionally and make a lasting impact in the field of social care.
Where you may work
NHS social workers have a significant impact in our frontline adult and older people core mental health teams, learning disability and neurodiversity services. They are also present in our secure services, specialist services (eating disorders, gender identity and perinatal mental health services), as well as our dedicated assigned social care teams, which provide a truly integrated approach to meeting a person's health and social care needs. Social workers are the lead professionals in our nationally recognised approved mental health professionals (AMHP) provision.
Additionally, NHS social workers plays a crucial role in providing support through our NHS talking therapies service TALKWORKS and child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Your role
We value social workers who are passionate about advocating for rights and social justice and who understand the social determinants of mental health and the role of social work in addressing inequalities. Working collaboratively with other professionals, NHS social workers take the lead in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, to ensure individuals' rights are upheld. Your assertiveness and advocacy skills will make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
The work of NHS social workers is underpinned by a sound theoretical basis. You will provide support, guidance, and evidence-based therapies to equip individuals with the tools they need to achieve their aspirations. Your work will contribute to the safety and wellbeing of those in our care, ensuring their rights, preferences, and choices are respected.
The future of social work in mental health
- We envision a future where social workers within Devon Partnership NHS Trust, regardless of their employment route, enjoy a strong sense of professional identity.
- We believe in the value and unique contributions of mental health social workers and are committed to ensuring their respect and recognition within our organisation.
- We strive to provide easy access to registration systems and structures that support their continued development as strong, value-led professionals.
- We involve our social work staff in the redesign of our services. They have been at the forefront in developing our services in line with the community mental health framework that looks a both mental and physical health, as well as social care needs.
- We are working closely with local GPs and community-based services to create more modern, compassionate and effective mental health services.
Professional growth and development
Our mental health social work practice handbook is a testament to our commitment to excellence in social care. This invaluable resource outlines key social work theories and models, proposing a practice framework based on a social model of disability. It recognises individuals as experts in their own situations, enabling true co-produced strengths-based interventions.
The handbook not only supports our social workers but also assists team managers and leaders across the organisation in understanding the professional value of social work. It empowers our social workers to assert their professional practice with confidence, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and support.
By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to apply the principles and theories outlined in the practice handbook to real-world scenarios. You will play an integral role in building relationships with individuals, carers, families, and communities, fostering an environment of support and empowerment.
If you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives and are interested in joining our dynamic team of social care professionals, we invite you to explore the current job opportunities available at Devon Partnership NHS Trust. Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need of care and support in our community.
Social work career pathways
At Devon Partnership NHS Trust, we offer diverse and rewarding career paths for social workers.
We provide opportunities for social work career progression, allowing you to develop professionally and make a lasting impact in the field of social care.
As well as the social work apprenticeship, which offers existing staff members the opportunity to gain the social work qualification and training on the job as an NHS Social Worker, we offer the following opportunities.
Band 5
As a NHS social worker, you may start your career at band 5, working alongside other professionals to provide comprehensive care and support. You will work alongside multi-disciplinary professionals, providing a truly holistic approach to assessment, treatment and recovery, as well as contributing your expertise in social work to enhance the overall wellbeing of individuals and their communities.
Band 6
As you progress in your career, you will have the opportunity to advance to a band 6 role. This could include positions such as a senior mental health practitioner, where you will take on additional responsibilities and play a more prominent role in delivering high-quality care, supervision and support of emerging talent within the organisation. You may also explore roles such as an assessment and brief intervention worker, providing specialised support and interventions to individuals in need.
Band 7
For those seeking further career advancement, band 7 offers exciting opportunities. You may aspire to become a clinical team leader or manager, where you will lead and coordinate a team of professionals, ensuring the delivery of exceptional care.
Alternatively, you may choose to pursue roles as a practice dead or an advanced clinical practitioner, where your expertise and leadership will contribute to shaping the future of social work within our organisation.
At Devon Partnership NHS Trust, we are committed to supporting your professional growth and development. We offer leadership development to all professions, and there are opportunities to develop into senior roles across the organisation.
Hear from our social workers
Kelly's social work story
Years of working with young people in education gave me a strong drive to help others improve their life outcomes. Personal challenges shaped my belief that everyone has a voice and the potential to achieve their goals.
Finding the path through social work
Although social work first seemed complex, I discovered that my values and experience already reflected its purpose. Advocating for rights and promoting empowerment had always been part of my journey. Moving into mental health services opened my eyes to the way our surroundings influence thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It became clear that social work was the right path for me.
Opportunities in social care
Social care offers a wide range of roles across schools, hospitals, nursing and government agencies. It involves working closely with communities and individuals to create personalised support plans, address challenges and find meaningful solutions. There are always opportunities to learn and grow, backed by professional support.
Supported by Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Devon Partnership NHS Trust has played an essential role in my development. They have understood my needs, embraced inclusion and prioritised wellbeing. Their values mirror my own, with a commitment to listening to people's voices, confronting discrimination and creating better futures. I am proud to be part of their mission and to serve my community.
What social work means to me
Social work is about creating change, promoting equality and forming genuine connections. It means earning trust, understanding complex situations with empathy and helping protect people from harm. I continue learning through every experience and every person I meet, strengthening my practice every day.
Building relationships and supporting recovery
Clear communication builds trust and drives progress. My work has supported young people in accessing education, healthcare and stronger relationships with their families. I remain professionally accountable and reflective, with supportive supervision helping me to grow and improve the care I provide.
Mark's social work story
How or why did you decide to work in social work?
I have always felt strongly about inclusion and empowerment, and these values have guided much of my life. Over time, I became increasingly involved in volunteering and community projects, and I realised that this was where I wanted to focus my energy and make a meaningful difference.
What are the different opportunities available in social work?
My journey has included care, working in establishments and in the community, including policy, development and management roles.
What motivates me to work for Devon Partnership NHS Trust?
After managing a supported living service for people with mental health needs, I was pleased to discover the wide variety of roles available at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, both clinical and social care focused. The training and development opportunities here, including qualifying as a therapist, have supported my passion for making a difference and have deepened my commitment to this work.
What social work means to me
Social work is rooted in strong values. It means recognising people as individuals and walking alongside them with hope and purpose. These values guide my approach to challenging situations and shape meaningful, professional conversations.
How my role makes a difference
Empathy and respect are the foundation of my work. I aim to build relationships that create space for people to feel heard, especially those whose journeys have been difficult. Sometimes, the strength of that relationship helps individuals begin to recognise and value their own voice.
Philip's social work story
Professional journey
I graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work in Manchester in 2012, after gaining experience in leaving care services and youth and community organisations across Greater Manchester. In 2013, I relocated to Devon and began working as a children and family social worker with Devon County Council.
I joined Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) in 2015 as an assigned social worker and care co-ordinator with the Honiton community mental health team. In 2017, I became social work practice lead for North and Mid Devon, collaborating with colleagues across the region on the redesign of social care services.
Leading change
We worked to redefine the role of the assigned social worker within community mental health teams to align with the Care Act 2014. This development was both exciting and rewarding.
Following the redesign, I was appointed team manager for North and Mid Devon, leading eight assigned social workers and shaping high-quality service delivery.
Expanding practice
After a brief break in 2020 to focus on family life, I returned to DPT and continued working on practice development. I've since helped strengthen the interface between social care and social work across inpatient and community settings. I've also worked alongside child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and Devon County Council to improve support for young people moving into adulthood, helping pilot a new 'preparing for adulthood' model.
Looking ahead
Social workers across DPT are actively shaping the future of care in line with the community mental health framework. This includes bringing strengths-based, solution-focused approaches into clinical design and delivery and sharing insights from successful outreach and third sector collaboration.
Our handbook
I encourage all colleagues to read our mental health social work practice handbook. It supports social workers, managers and leaders in understanding the professional value of social work and empowers practitioners to deliver confident, high-impact care.
Contact us
Get it touch to see what we can offer you, by emailing dpt.recruitment@nhs.net