Forensic Link Worker

We currently have a new vacancy for full time Forensic Link worker (previously Forensic locality lead) for the Yeovil area

The post-holder will work within Yeovil Teams for the provision of a high-quality service for patients presenting with a forensic mental health concern/ significant risk to others.

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

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

The post holder will 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.

The post holder will 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, the post holder will 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 FT’s 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.