Job summary
Are you looking for a new opportunity or development role? Interested in the management of risk to others? Enthusiastic about forensic work?
We are pleased to offer two full-time, fixed-term vacancies for Forensic Link Workers within our Community Forensic Services. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing service and contribute to high-quality forensic mental health provision across Somerset.
Applications are welcome from individuals who are flexible, proactive and confident working with complexity and risk. We will also consider applications from internal staff seeking a Secondment opportunity (with manager approval).
You will work closely with Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) to ensure high-quality, evidence-based support for patients presenting with forensic mental health needs or significant risk to others. You will be part of a supportive team of Forensic Link Workers covering Bridgwater, Taunton and South Somerset.
This role supports Community Forensic Services, which include the Somerset Community Forensic Team (SCFT), OPD and IIRMS services, and the Court and Custody Assessment Team. As a relatively new service, there is opportunity to contribute to ongoing development and the shaping of future pathways.
The role offers a mixture of home and office working, with one post based at Holly Court, Yeovil and one at The Bridge, Taunton.
For more information, please contact Ben McEvoy.
Main duties of the job
- Provide clinical leadership and guidance for individuals presenting with forensic mental health concerns.
- Work collaboratively with CMHTs, AOT, inpatient wards and other local teams to support safe, consistent and evidence-based practice.
- Offer specialist advice, structured consultation and formulation guidance to clinicians working with individuals who present with risk to others.
- Build strong working relationships with external agencies, including Probation, accommodation providers and MAPPA partners.
- Support inclusive treatment pathways that balance therapeutic need with safeguarding and public protection responsibilities.
- Act as a single point of access for referrals into the Somerset Community Forensic Team for patients who may require enhanced community support.
- Participate in and promote robust risk management, including awareness and application of MAPPA processes.
- Contribute to service development, clinical audit and quality improvement across forensic pathways.
- Provide and receive clinical supervision, and support staff development through training and reflective practice.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Forensic Link Worker, you will:
Clinical Responsibilities
Support assessment, formulation and treatment planning for individuals with forensic needs or significant risk.
Provide joint working, consultation and advice to CMHTs, inpatient teams and other partners.
Act as a knowledgeable point of contact for complex case discussions and risk management.
Multi Agency & Communication
Work effectively with SCFT, MAPPA, Probation, Police and wider agencies to ensure safe and consistent practice.
Promote forensic-informed approaches and support continuity of care across inpatient and community services.
Risk Management & Safeguarding
Lead and promote robust risk assessment and management.
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met in line with Trust policies and legal frameworks.
Governance & Service Development
Contribute to service audits, reviews and ongoing development of the Community Forensic pathway.
Participate in clinical governance and maintain awareness of relevant national guidance.
Training, Supervision & Professional Development
Provide clinical supervision and support staff development across disciplines.
Engage in your own supervision, appraisal and training to maintain specialist skills.
Record Keeping & Administration
Maintain accurate clinical documentation, ensuring GDPR compliance.
Use IT systems effectively and manage Trust equipment responsibly.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Forensic Link Worker, you will:
Clinical Responsibilities
Support assessment, formulation and treatment planning for individuals with forensic needs or significant risk.
Provide joint working, consultation and advice to CMHTs, inpatient teams and other partners.
Act as a knowledgeable point of contact for complex case discussions and risk management.
Multi Agency & Communication
Work effectively with SCFT, MAPPA, Probation, Police and wider agencies to ensure safe and consistent practice.
Promote forensic-informed approaches and support continuity of care across inpatient and community services.
Risk Management & Safeguarding
Lead and promote robust risk assessment and management.
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met in line with Trust policies and legal frameworks.
Governance & Service Development
Contribute to service audits, reviews and ongoing development of the Community Forensic pathway.
Participate in clinical governance and maintain awareness of relevant national guidance.
Training, Supervision & Professional Development
Provide clinical supervision and support staff development across disciplines.
Engage in your own supervision, appraisal and training to maintain specialist skills.
Record Keeping & Administration
Maintain accurate clinical documentation, ensuring GDPR compliance.
Use IT systems effectively and manage Trust equipment responsibly.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- RMN OR Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy OR Social Work; OR other relevant health or social care professional qualification
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development in the field of forensic mental health-Or willingness to pursue
- Evidence of recent relevant training
Desirable
- Qualification in a relevant psychological therapy
- HCR -20 Training
Experience
Essential
- Band 6 experience working with people with complex mental health needs, including those with forensic histories.
- Ability to safely manage complex risk
Desirable
- Experience of working within a secure mental health setting
- Experience of offering clinical supervision to other professionals
- Experience of working with clients in the community and inpatient settings
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Expertise within mental health services across a range of procedures underpinned by relevant psychological /psychosocial theory.
- Good understanding of national guidance and changes to secure care pathways.
- Understanding of MAPPA process
Desirable
- Understanding the thresholds of secure mental health service provision and the relationship required with local mental health services
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- RMN OR Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy OR Social Work; OR other relevant health or social care professional qualification
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development in the field of forensic mental health-Or willingness to pursue
- Evidence of recent relevant training
Desirable
- Qualification in a relevant psychological therapy
- HCR -20 Training
Experience
Essential
- Band 6 experience working with people with complex mental health needs, including those with forensic histories.
- Ability to safely manage complex risk
Desirable
- Experience of working within a secure mental health setting
- Experience of offering clinical supervision to other professionals
- Experience of working with clients in the community and inpatient settings
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Expertise within mental health services across a range of procedures underpinned by relevant psychological /psychosocial theory.
- Good understanding of national guidance and changes to secure care pathways.
- Understanding of MAPPA process
Desirable
- Understanding the thresholds of secure mental health service provision and the relationship required with local mental health services
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).
