Job summary
Do you have good knowledge of community services? Then we want to hear from you!
We currently have a new vacancy for full time Forensic Link Worker (previously Forensic locality lead) for the Mendip area.
We would welcome applications from individuals who are flexible and proactive in their approach.
You'll work within the Mendip Team for the provision of a high-quality service for patients presenting with a forensic mental health concern/ significant risk to others.
Main duties of the job
This role sits within Community Forensic services. The service is made up of a number of small teams including SCFT (Somerset Community Forensic Team), OPD and IIRMS and Court and Custody assessment team. The Forensic link workers are a valuable part of the broader service. It is a relatively new service and is still in a development phase.
Key Relationships:
- Forensic Service Operational Service Manager and Deputy Operational Service Manager
- Specialist Community Forensic Team
- CMHTs
- Inpatient wards
- Probation Services
- Accommodation Providers
- Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)
- GP's
- Psychological Therapies Service staff
- Medical Staff
- MAPPA Lead
- Police
About us
As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, continuing professional development and regular informal conversations around career progression, annual recognition awards to celebrate and recognise our colleagues achievements throughout the year and not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
We work hard to make sure that inclusion is part of everything we do. We know that true inclusion means we're able to provide the best care for our patients and provide a fulfilling career for all our colleagues.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London - there is truly something for everyone!
There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.
We have six active and impactful colleague networks. These networks provide a safe space for colleagues to share their experiences and learn from one another, but also influence change across our trust:
- Multicultural Network
- Women's Network
- Armed Forces' Network
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Lived Experience Network, for colleagues living with disabilities
- Autistic Colleague Network
Job description
Job responsibilities
You'll work closely with their local CMHT, AOT, Complex care team and inpatient wards, providing structured guidance, supervision and advice to other mental health professionals working alongside this service user group.
You'll promote awareness and best practice across community and inpatient teams, actively supporting positive attitudes and a consistent approach towards assessment and treatment of this patient group using evidence based interventions and treatment frameworks.
As well as working within secondary mental health services, you'll build links with external stakeholders who may be supporting patients with significant offending histories and co-morbid mental health difficulties, for example probation services and accommodation providers who provide support post release from prison.
There will be an emphasis on championing inclusive treatment pathways, that are closely balanced with safeguarding, public protection and MAPPA policy.
The Forensic Link Worker (FLW) will be closely linked with and well supported by Somerset FTs newly Commissioned Specialist Community Forensic Team, who (in line with the Southwest Provider Collaborative) will be working with patients currently admitted to a secure hospital setting.The FLW will act as a single point of access for referrals into SCFT for patients outside of a secure care pathway, but who may require enhanced support in the community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You'll work closely with their local CMHT, AOT, Complex care team and inpatient wards, providing structured guidance, supervision and advice to other mental health professionals working alongside this service user group.
You'll promote awareness and best practice across community and inpatient teams, actively supporting positive attitudes and a consistent approach towards assessment and treatment of this patient group using evidence based interventions and treatment frameworks.
As well as working within secondary mental health services, you'll build links with external stakeholders who may be supporting patients with significant offending histories and co-morbid mental health difficulties, for example probation services and accommodation providers who provide support post release from prison.
There will be an emphasis on championing inclusive treatment pathways, that are closely balanced with safeguarding, public protection and MAPPA policy.
The Forensic Link Worker (FLW) will be closely linked with and well supported by Somerset FTs newly Commissioned Specialist Community Forensic Team, who (in line with the Southwest Provider Collaborative) will be working with patients currently admitted to a secure hospital setting.The FLW will act as a single point of access for referrals into SCFT for patients outside of a secure care pathway, but who may require enhanced support in the community.
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
Desirable
- Forensic setting experience community or inpatient
Essential
Essential
- oRMN OR Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy OR Social Work
Desirable
- oQualification in a relevant psychological therapy
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
Desirable
- Forensic setting experience community or inpatient
Essential
Essential
- oRMN OR Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy OR Social Work
Desirable
- oQualification in a relevant psychological therapy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
