Navigator: Specialist Social Worker, IBPS

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a care Navigator to join our Infected Blood Psychological Service (IBPS) at Guy's and St Thomas's (GSTT); one of 16 services in England supporting people and families across the lifespan impacted by the infected blood scandal.

This Navigator role involves providing psychosocial assessment and follow up care to people accessing the service. It emphasises working creatively and flexibly to engage with wider infected blood communities, including assertive outreach across South London, peer support programme development, and building relationships across agencies., The GSTT IBPS provides multidisciplinary care for those infected and affected by contaminated blood products by: a) conducting outreach, psychosocial assessment and support, as well as peer support development, led by the social worker (post holder); and b) providing psychological therapies by the psychologists. It is closely linked to the wider haematology department, while maintaining a distinct identity as part of the National IBPS.

The successful candidate will deliver a specialist and outreach social work role, navigating through the complex health and social care systems, and voluntary community services, while addressing the psycho-social, emotional and practical challenges faced by people and their families impacted by infected blood.

An advanced knowledge and skill in the application of a range of social work interventions to promote independence, choice, control, and wellbeing is a prerequisite. Also embedded in the forefront of the role is the use of rights and strength-based approaches to care and support delivered to this service user group., You will work in a team which values your unique experience, ideas and interests. You will work as part of the GSTT IBPS and the GSTT Haemophilia Centre MDTs and will also be supported by social work colleagues within other IBPS's, GSTT and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. CPD is encouraged so you will be able to enhance your own practice via professional development and contact with other social workers.

The GSTT IBPS will have close links with the Haematology Psychology Service (HPS) which has been providing psychological support to patients with blood disorders and their families at GSTT for over 20 years. The HPS is comprised of Practitioner Psychologists at various stages in their career. The team has a strong ethos of supporting each other, with access to reflective practice, learning spaces and Trust wellbeing initiatives.

We are committed to equity and ensuring that the contributions of all members are respected and valued. Our HPS is recognised for being accessible to patients and staff and strives to be as representative of the local population as much as possible. We would particularly welcome applicants who can add to the diversity of the existing team and who value working with diverse communities.

This role is ideal for an experienced, autonomous social worker, passionate about understanding community needs and developing services to better meet these. We are seeking a trauma informed, person-centred professional who brings initiative to service development.

Commitment to building safe, effective relationships within contexts of injustice, stigma and medical trauma is essential, alongside robust skills in safeguarding, rights-based approaches, signposting, advocacy and strengths-based practice., No previous experience of working with this service user group is necessary although some knowledge of the infected blood scandal, inquiry and experiences of those impacted would be an advantage. Working from a trauma informed, psychological perspective is emphasised.

GSTT is an organisation which values and respects all its staff and the communities it serves. As a flexible working organisation, we are open to discuss flexible working on appointment.