Mental Health Practitioner in ASCC

Job summary

Advice and Support in custody and court (ASCC) team provides a service to individuals appearing at Somersets criminal courts (Taunton, Yeovil and North Somerset Magistrates' courts, Taunton Crown Court) and to those who have been arrested and are detainees in police custody (Bridgwater).

The service operates 7 days a week, 8.00am to 8.00pm. Staff work predominantly 'long days' to cover these hours. Part time hours could be considered. There is free onsite parking at Bridgwater Police Centre.

The team is part of NHS England's national liaison and diversion programme (and in partnership with Avon and Wiltshire Partnership, provides the ASCC service to the wider Avon and Somerset police area).

The team's primary role is to complete mental health and other vulnerability assessments in criminal justice settings and identify unmet needs with a view to referring/signposting. The team share relevant information with criminal justice agencies (with consent) to ensure that wherever individuals are in the criminal justice system, their mental health needs and information about vulnerabilities are known, enabling the police/courts to make informed decisions.

If you are interested, please contact hannah.evans@somersetft.nhs.uk

Please also be aware we are running bimonthly ASCC information sessions on teams, please contact Hannah Hughes if you would like to join.

Anyone applying for the post will be required to visit the custody office environment to shadow in advance of interview.

Main duties of the job

ASCC practitioners are based in the Bridgwater police custody suite, courts of Somerset, and will work with people of all ages within the criminal justice system where potential mental health, learning disability and other vulnerabilities are identified.

You will be responsible for undertaking initial assessments within police custody and court system, and providing a rapid, high quality written screening report. You will offer professional guidance, advice and an educative role to colleagues working within the criminal justice system, along with liaison with community services. The service acts as a "first point of contact", providing mental health advice for people held in police custody or appearing in court, alongside assessment, liaison and facilitating access to appropriate mental health and social care services.

You will also be involved in implementing and reviewing referral pathways with the police so that they are able to effectively identify mental health problems and refer appropriately. In addition, you will compile and present health and social circumstances reports, and facilitate the production of psychiatric reports to court when required. At times, you may have to give verbal opinions to the courts.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.