Forensic Link Worker

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 currently have a full-time (fixed term) vacancy for a Forensic Link Worker for the South Somerset area.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are flexible and proactive in their approach.

We will consider applications from internal staff looking for a Secondment opportunity. Any Secondment would need to be supported by your Manager.

You will be well supported within a team of Forensic Link workers also are in post covering the Bridgwater, Taunton and Mendip localities.

You'll work within the South Somerset Team 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 which are made up of a number of small teams including SCFT (Somerset Community Forensic Team), OPD and IIRMS and the 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.

This role is a mixture of home and office working. Your base will be Holly Court in Yeovil.

Please contact Jenny Walton if you would like to find out more

Main duties of the job

You'll work within the South Somerset Team for the provision of a high-quality service for patients presenting with a forensic mental health concern/ significant risk to others.

You will need to develop Key Relationships with:

Specialist Community Forensic Team 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 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

Qualifications

Essential

RMN OR Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy OR Social Work; OR other relevant health or social care professional qualification

Desirable

Qualification in a relevant psychological therapy HCR -20 Training

Knowledge

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

Experience

Essential

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

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